SIR – I am writing to support the students opposing increases in university tuition fees (pictured). What really annoys me are the comments that students should pay something towards their fees.

I and many others in the Labour Party begrudgingly accepted some short-term contribution would be necessary.

Sadly, we lost the election and the whole thing has got out of hand. The fees increases go far beyond the amount that you could expect many students to pay.

Those with parents with university degrees will see them already struggling with mortgages and think: “How on earth will I be able to buy a house and at the same time be able to repay my university fees?”

Students will have to pay the whole cost of most degrees with fees nearly trebling, and debts will be incurred, to be paid over 30 years.

The pressure for deficit cuts does not justify these Draconian increases. They could severely damage the whole ethos of our university system.

I think even the most ardent Lib Dem supporter who puts coalition unity before fairness to students is appalled at the unhealthy liaison with the Tories.

Robert Beckwith, Westleigh, Bingley