Lib-Con coalition quizzed at student debate - Yuan Potts and Chris Philp clash at Haverstock 6th former Question Time

Published: 14 April 2011
by JOSIE HINTON

CRACKS appeared in the Lib Dem and Conservative coalition as politicians were quizzed by sixth-formers during a Question Time-style debate at Haverstock School.

Lib Dem Yuan Potts and Conservative Chris Philp (pictured) clashed as they joined a panel of politicians to face the questions of discerning students.

Asked to define the main differences between the Coalition parties, Mr Potts, who is chairman of Holborn and St Pancras Liberal Democrats and also honorary vice president of Liberal Youth, said the Tories represented the “interests of the rich’, while the Lib Dems believe in a “new way of doing politics, working together and compromising”.

Mr Philp replied: “Say what you stand for, but don’t tell me what I believe in.”

It was not the only time the debate, chaired by citizenship student Jabeen Rizvi, got heated. 

Mr Potts conceded his party had “compromised its credentials” over scrapping the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), but said the move was necessary due to the economic climate. 

Shaun Chowen, vice president of  the National Union of Students (NUS), replied: “You can’t tell me it’s right that half of all students are in a situation where their parents don’t earn very much money and they need EMA. You can’t blame the students, it’s not their fault.”

Defending the policy, Mr Philp said students would not pay back a single penny until they were earning at least £21,000. 

Haverstock headteacher John Dowd said: “What we’ve seen tonight is that young people are interested in politics. They do have opinions. They may not reflect the opinions of the current government, but they do have opinions.”