TOP STUDENTS EXPANSION PLAN 'COULD HIT SOCIAL MOBILITY'

BBC News reports that the rules on student admissions are to be relaxed to allow universities to accept more high achieving students. This is likely to result in fewer places for poorer students.

So there we have it- social mobility- if you can afford it. For those that question this statement on the grounds that it is based on ability, not income then I make the case that the wealthier you are, the better the education your children are likely to receive. Not just because you can live in wealthier areas that tend to have better schools but because it is easier for you to travel further to better schools. And of course, wealthier parents can afford private tuition and public school fees.

If this government is dedicated to social mobility and a fair education system then it is high time they took that education away from privatisation and back into the hands of the state. Let a politician's child have the same options as a labourer's child. This should not be a fear for the politician- or any other parent. If their child is truly gifted, they will excel in any system.

NICK CLEGG'S NEW YEAR MESSAGE

In Nick Clegg's New Year message to members, he pledged to start 2011 with action on social mobility, civil liberties and the environment.

So will we see-

·         Social Mobility:

 o   Working Class ground down further toward serfdom.

o   Middle Class allowed to prosper from the labour of the serfs

o   Upper Class prosper from the increased wealth of the Middle Class

o   Politicians- some from column a, some from column b… and ensure a knighthood for nothing!

·         Civil Liberties- we will continue to erode them and ensure virtual enslavement of the disenfranchised.

·         The Environment-

 o   Ensure politicians continue to have near-palatial homes and second residences.

o   Make sure the commons is still the place to work