Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has welcomed statistics revealing that Scotland’s policy of free education is helping to keep student debt levels the lowest in the UK. Figures from the Student Loans Company showed that the average Scottish student loan debt was £6,480 compared to £17,140 in England, £13,650 in Wales and £15,880 in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the news, Mr Thompson said: “The SNP is very clear that educational opportunity should be based on a person’s ability to learn, not their ability to pay. We will never price the young people of Scotland out of an education and have a generous package of student support, which is why we have the lowest student debt levels in the UK.
“The SNP Government is building on these positive figures by working towards delivering a minimum income of £7,000 a year for the most vulnerable students. We are the only party never to have voted for tuition fees and are the only party who can be trusted on education – as Labour’s desertion of its commitment to free higher education in Scotland highlights.
“Ordinary Labour members and voters will be aghast at their party’s blatant disregard for the welfare of Scotland’s students. These figures highlight how it is much better for Scotland to make its own decisions rather than leave matters which have a direct impact on the people who live in Scotland in the hands of Westminster politicians."
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