Party united, say Clegg and Cable

The coalition won the vote on raising tuition fees but its majority was cut to 21

Vince Cable has said the Lib Dems are still “united” despite Thursday’s rebellion over the rise in student tuition fees in England.

The business secretary, who drew up the plans to raise the maximum fee level to £9,000, acknowledged there was a “division” in his party on the issue.

The government’s majority was slashed as 21 Lib Dem MPs voted against the plans and five abstained.

Mr Cable told the BBC the coalition would be “stronger for the experience”.

Despite winning the vote, which took place against a backdrop of violence and protests in central London, Mr Cable said ministers still had a challenge to explain the policy to the public and why it was fairer than the current system of student finance.

Thursday’s rebellion was the largest since the Liberal Democrats were formed. Its MPs had come under huge pressure – and been the focus of protests – after signing a pre-election pledge to oppose tuition fee rises.

Former leaders Charles Kennedy and Sir Menzies Campbell were among those not to back the leadership and two junior ministerial aides – Jenny Willott and Mike Crockart – resigned over the issue.

Despite the differences of opinion, Mr Cable said his colleagues acknowledged that he had “considerably improved” the proposals in terms of the support given to poorer students and securing the funding for universities.

“It was a difficult day,” he told BBC Radio Four’s Today, “but we are stronger having been through this experience.”

“We are united, we will go forward and I think the coalition will be stronger not weaker for the experience.”

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