Tom Blenkinsop became the first Parliamentary candidate standing in Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland to sign the NUS pledge on the future of higher education.

The pledge – signed by Tom Blenkinsop last week, said:

“I pledge to vote against any increase in fees in the next parliament and to pressure the government to introduce a fairer alternative.”

Wes Streeting, President of the National Union of Students:

“I’m delighted that Tom Blenkinsop is putting the interests of students at the heart of his campaign by signing NUS’ pledge against higher fees. Students need champions like Tom to campaign for fairer funding and student finance and I’m happy to support his campaign for election.”

Labour candidate, Tom Blenkinsop said

“Not enough young people from Teesside get to university, we need to make sure we do not turn our young people away from higher education.

“I am the first candidate here to sign the NUS pledge promising to not vote for any increase in fees in the next parliament and look to a fairer alternative. I will support our local higher education in Teesside and hope to have a strong relationship with both the university leadership and its students. Last week I met with Lord Saywer, Chancellor of Teesside University – this strong local dialogue will continue if elected.”

Today the full list of PPCs who have signed the pledge was published. Less than 15 Tory PPCs have signed the pledge.

NUS National President-elect, Aaron Porter, said:

“The major disappointment is the silence from so many Conservative candidates. Students look set to swing the election in a number of key seats and to win our respect and our votes politicians must come clean on fees or face the consequences.”