Kier Starmer U-Turns on Labour's University Fee Abolition Pledge

Facts

• Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that he is set to u-turn on his previous campaign promise to abolish university tuition fees.¹
• Starmer cited a change in "financial situation" as justification for dropping the pledge made three years earlier. Starmer stated that, given the “damage” inflicted on the economy, the party could only commit to policies that it could “afford.”²
• Being interviewed on BBC radio, Starmer said the party would review “options” for the current university system. The opposition leader insisted that he did not want the decision to lead people to believe that Labour considers the current system “fair” or perceives it to be “working.”³
• The decision adds to a series of policy u-turns made by Labour since Starmer became party leader in 2020, including a reversal of support for continued freedom of movement as the UK left the European Union and a reversal on the party's push for public ownership of energy and water companies.⁴
• The National Union of Students has criticized the opposition for breaking the pledge, warning that it could be detrimental to Labour's polling in the next general election.⁵

Sources: ¹The Telegraph, ²LabourList, ³Express.co.uk, ⁴Bloomberg, and ⁵Evening Standard.

Narratives

• Left narrative, as provided by Mirror. While this decision is likely to rile some in the party, the move is part of a considered strategy to demonstrate fiscal responsibility in contrast with the Conservatives, whom Starmer still holds a strong lead against. The policy change has prompted some criticism, but education will remain a central part of Starmer’s plans which are likely to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
• Right narrative, as provided by Spectator (UK). Starmer is continuing to make promises he has no intention of keeping. Citing economic circumstances for dropping yet another core policy is a questionable move, especially as he is still charging onwards with eye-watering Net Zero commitments. The Labour leader is once again inviting further questions from the public about whether his words can be trusted.

Predictions