Tens of Thousands Protest in UK

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Protests surround Westminster as MPs debate fee rises

9 December 2010

Thousands of demonstrators are surrounding the Houses of Parliament as MPs debate plans to raise tuition fees in England to £9,000 a year.

Protesters forced their way into Parliament Square and are pressing against lines of riot police.
Police are behind barriers surrounding the Houses of Parliament.

Inside the House of Commons, Business Secretary Vince Cable told MPs the fee plans were fair and would maintain the quality of universities.

Demonstrators have pushed security barriers and thrown missiles at police lines in front of the Houses of Parliament.

In the vote to be held this afternoon about the fees plan, the coalition government is facing its first major backbench rebellion.

Students from around the UK have gathered in London for a day of protests and a rally.

The police said they were expecting 20,000 demonstrators.
See:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-11954333

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/8191404/Tuition-fees-police-officer-knocked-unconscious-as-first-violence-breaks-out-at-protests.html

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