Students gather in London to protest fees
Thousands of students gathered in central London today in the latest protest against the government cuts and university fee hikes.
Chanting “No ifs, no buts, no education cuts”, sixth form learners joined under-graduates and others outside the University of London Union ahead of a march on Parliament.
The slogans could hardly be heard over the sound of drums as the rally got under way.
Police handed out leaflets to protesters outlining their rights to demonstrate and giving them advice on what to do if violence breaks out.
But as the march got under way, there appeared to be no indication of a repeat of the violent scenes that marred earlier protests.
Anger at government proposals to raise tuition fees and scrap EMAs (Education Maintenance Allowance) appeared to be contained to the slogans chanted by protesters and emblazoned on placards.
One drew an analogy between events in North Africa and that in the UK.
“Ben Ali, Mubarak... Cameron, you are next,” it read.
