The Rt Hon Michael Portillo, MP for Kensington and Chelsea, whose constituency includes the Evelyn Garden Halls of Residence, has confirmed that he will be voting against the government?s Higher Education Bill at its second reading in the House of Commons on the 27th January. Although a member of the Conservative Party, which is opposed to the Bill, Mr Portillo had previously appeared to be wavering and there had been suggestions that he might vote either with the government or abstain.

However, yesterday in response to an Imperial College student, Mr Portillo confirmed that he ?shall be voting with the Conservative Party against the government?s Bill.? Mustafa Arif, Imperial College Union President, said that ?other conservative rebels should take note of Michael Portillo?s decision and vote against the government.?

Support for an anti-tuition fees stance is far from unanimous within the Conservative Party. Dr Liam Fox, Conservative Party Chairman, recently hinted that his party might not repeal legislation bringing in top-up fees and described himself as ?open minded? about how to fund university tuition. Imperial College?s Conservative Society stated that ?people should pay for their own higher education?if the government wants to help poorer families get their children into higher education that is a different issue that can be funded transparently under support schemes, or through charities.?