March 19th The Big Student Debate

The following party representatives took part

• Labour - Sarah Boyack MSP (Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development)
• SNP - Fiona Hyslop MSP (Education and Lifelong Learning)
• Conservative - Murdo Fraser MSP (Deputy Leader and Enterprise)
• Green - Mark Ballard MSP (Transport)
• SSP - Colin Fox MSP (Leader)
• Solidarity - Tommy Sheridan MSP (Leader)
• LibDems - Margaret Smith MSP (Chief Whip)
• Independent - Margo MacDonald MSP (Independent)

Section 1 - Discussion on Top Up Fees and Student Debt. As you might expect the issue of top up fees and the level of student debt was a key item in the debate. This section starts with a question from a member of the audience Keddie Law who had graduated in the McEwan Hall 39 years ago!

You can listen here or Watch the video here

Section 2 - Discussion on Replacement of Trident. The recent decision to replace Trident received little support in the hall but students were concerned about what MSP's could do about the decision.

You can listen here or Watch the video here

Section 3 - Voting Age and Student Apathy A significant number of school students were in the audience and there was a lively exchange about lowering the voting age to 16 and about why some young people are apathetic about politics.

You can listen here or Watch the video here

Section 4 - Should Scotland Apologise for its Role in the Slave Trade.

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Section 5 - Should Politicians take a Longer Term View. A contribution from the floor challenging politicians to take a longer term view of the challenges facing mankind.

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Section 6 - Glasgow University at the Crichton Campus. Some members of the audience had travelled up from Dumfries to ask about Glasgow University's decision to close their part of the towns Crichton Campus.

Section 7 - Student Sport. A question from the floor raised concerns over speculation that a single university for sport is to be created in Scotland.