STUDENT leaders in York have given their reaction to the Government’s education bill.

MPs voted in favour of the basic university fee cap rise from £3,290 to £6,000 and for universities in England to be able to charge £9,000 in “exceptional” circumstances. Up to and during the vote, students in York led a peaceful protest outside the city’s Guildhall.

Tim Ngwena, York University Student Union President, said: “Unfortunately the bill has passed, even though students voiced their concerns about it. The consequences will be regressive, but we are immediately planning to ensure the University of York now make their position on the rises absolutely clear, and that they maintain access to education and continue to offer a high level of it.”

NUS president Aaron Porter said: “We lost in the House of Commons only because MPs have broken their promises. We are incredibly disappointed and angry with the politicians who have let us down so badly. They have voted for a policy they know is unfair, unnecessary and wrong.”

Hundreds of protesters converged near Parliament on Thursday as MPs voted to increase university tuition fees to £9,000.

Several protesters and police officers were injured as the demonstration turned violent and damage was done to buildings and monuments as well as a car carrying Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Earlier, protesters had largely taken over Parliament Square and pressed against lines of police in front of the Houses of Parliament. Mounted police were used to control crowds. Police said there were attacks using “flares, sticks, snooker balls and paint balls”.

Scotland Yard said 12 officers and 43 protesters were injured and 33 people were arrested. Most have been released on police bail. None has so far been charged.