Socialist Students marching for free education, 19.11.16, photo James Ivens

Socialist Students marching for free education, 19.11.16, photo James Ivens   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

The Tories must “change hard” on their approach to university fees, according to First Secretary of State Damian Green.

The government’s number two man called for a “national conversation” on tuition. The Tories have near-zero youth support.

Green still wants the working class to pay though. He says only taxing workers could cover the costs – and even so, free education would mean overcrowded classrooms.

But that’s not true. Britain’s billionaires and big businesses steal enough to fund high-quality, free education for all – and much more besides.

The very fact that Green is talking about tuition fees reflects the Tories’ precarious position.

No minority government has ever lasted a full parliamentary term. Corbyn’s anti-austerity manifesto enthused millions and pushed political conversation left.

This too is behind the hypocrisy of Tory ministers calling for an end to the public sector pay cap. Michael Gove, Jeremy Hunt and Justine Greening are responsible for attacks on the same workers they now pretend to back.

Of course, no capitalist politician wants to threaten profits with serious pro-working class reforms. But their fear is palpable.

Big demonstrations and coordinated strikes can bring them down. Students and workers: unite and fight!

James Ivens