Candidates Face University Challenge

12.05.00pm GMT Tue 5th Feb 2008

Students at University College Falmouth quizzed local politicians last week at their first ever "Political Awareness Day".

Following an invitation by the Students Union, members of six local political parties chatted to students during their lunch break, before taking part in a "Question Time" style debate.

Answering questions about student tuition fees and affordable housing, local MP Julia Goldsworthy said her party's policies set them apart from the rest:

"With support from the Conservatives, it was a Labour government that introduced student tuition fees. The Liberal Democrats oppose this tax on learning - education should be available to everyone, not just those who can afford it."

"In Cornwall today, young people have no hope of owning a house in the place they call home. The Liberal Democrats have called for local communities to be given powers to restrict the number of holiday homes in their area. Labour are silent on this issue, whilst the Conservative party has managed to select candidates whose knowledge of Cornwall is based on owning holiday homes in the county!"

Although the Tremough campus remains in the Camborne & Redruth constituency, the towns of Penryn and Falmouth will join Truro at the next general election. As a prospective Lib Dem candidate for the new seat, Terrye Teverson was busy signing up supporters at the event:

"After years of opposition from successive Conservative and Labour governments, I was proud to be part of the team that campaigned for Cornwall's first university. Both of my daughters got involved in politics when they studied here and it's been great to meet students with the same enthusiasm today."