Education and Employment Secretary David Blunkett today came under fire from Bradford's teachers and students as he defended Government plans to introduce student tuition fees and scrap the maintenance grant.

The plan is expected to spark a Labour backbench revolt in the Commons. And at least one Bradford MP is likely to rebel.

Today Bradford University Union Secretary Caroline Welsh urged all the district's MP to try to overturn the plan.

And David Stark of the district's National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education said he believed the effects could be devastating for mature students.

Paul Russell, of the NATFHE, said his union had been lobbying hard nationally and many people were desperately worried.

A spokesman for Bradford University said they could not comment until they knew the details, but could see the argument for the Government in terms of broadening access.

Alan Carling, of the Bradford Association of University Teachers, said they wanted a government U-turn. "I think it is a very regressive mood. It sends a very bad message to the next generation."

But Mr Blunkett today accused colleagues planning to rebel of seeking to protect people who would in future be better off than others, because they were graduates.

Mr Blunkett also confirmed he was introducing a new package of help for mature students, single parents and disabled people.

Reports have suggested the measures could be worth over £100 million, but Mr Blunkett was not asked to confirm this.

But Miss Welsh said she believed it could be a sweetener and the university union believed the proposals would have very serious effects on students already suffering severe hardship.

Some 35 MPs have put their names to rebel amendments tabled to the Teaching and Higher Education Bill, being debated in the Commons later today and tomorrow.

But party managers say they expect only about 10 or 15 to vote against the Government.

Later today, a petition protesting at the Government's plans, signed by pop stars including Paul Weller, Nicky Wire of Manic Street Preachers and Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream, was being handed in to 10 Downing Street.

Mr Blunkett said today the new plans would not affect students or their families when they were at college.

Repayment would be based on future income after they graduated. "It will be based on the affluence of the individual later in life, paid at a time when the student can afford it, at a rate the student can afford."

The Tories have tabled an amendment aimed at the anomaly whereby English students at Scottish universities, which have four-year courses, will get support for only three years while Scottish students will get help for the full four.

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