THE fight against student loans is continuing on the eve of the debate on their future.

An improved financial picture means their introduction is likely to be staved off when the States discusses the issue tomorrow, although a statement on the future of two primary schools, which is set to be given in the morning, might cloud the situation.

Debate should come down to whether members back Deputy Matt Fallaize’s requete meaning loans would not be introduced until 2012 at the earliest or a Policy Council amendment capping the higher education budget so the issue would come back if it was exceeded.

Student John Angliss (pictured), who has been at the forefront of those objecting to loans, is urging members to pass the requete unamended.  ‘Two years ago, as I was about to take up my place at university, the States were debating and postponing the introduction of student loans,’ he said.

‘Student loans are being threatened again this year and once again those looking forward to taking up places at university are having to consider whether they can justify going into deep debt to pay for it. It will be a gamble if they do.’ Most of this debate has focussed upon narrow financial criteria. The case needs to be made that a university education is a good thing in itself, both to those who go through it and to the island as a whole.’