MPs surprise gifts – hundreds of socks!

WARRINGTON’S MPs have received an unexpected “gift” from the town’s students – hundreds of pairs of socks.
The socks – each with a personal plea from the owner – are intended to illustrate that students feel the government is proposing to take away so much support from them, they might as well take their shoes and socks as well.
Two students travelled to London to deliver the socks and 900 signed letters to MPs Helen Jones (Warrington North) and David Mowat (Warrington South) asking them to vote against cutting the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and increasing tuition fees.
The campaign was organised by the Student Union at Warrington Collegiate – the town’s largest learning provider.
Students are concerned about the future of higher education in Warrington.
The issue comes before the House of Commons today.
Ms Jones has already pledged to support the students and they are hoping to persuade Mr Mowat to do likewise.
The Student Union says 61 per cent of students at Warrington Collegiate are dependant upon the receipt of EMA for their education and its cancellation will be devastating.
Student Alistair Worrall said: “Education is a human right and not a privilege for the rich. Having the extra funding has helped me stay in education. It will be difficult to study full time without any government support”.
Another student, Amie Colligan, said £30 a week was hardly enough to get her to college already.
“Losing this will mean I have to take into consideration that I might have no choice but to find a job and that university may not be an option.”
Student Union leader Stuart Murray said: “These cuts are particularly concerning for students within Warrington given the noticeably wide gap between affluent and deprived wards in this town.
“If the Warrington Borough partnership agreement is to succeed in one of it’s key goals over the next two decades, then closing that gap for young people should be led through education. Our students will highlight to Warrington MPs that it is vital that they oppose the government’s plans on education funding cuts and rising tuition fees.”