University students in London protest over scrapping of maintenance grants

A student protest took place Wednesday in central London to call for free education and agitate against the scrapping of maintenance grants.

The National Campaign Against Cuts and Fees reported that thousands of students joined the protest, while local media said police estimated that around 1,000 people walked on the streets.

British Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn expressed his support to the movement. He opposed the removal of maintenance grants in a statement, adding that "switching back to a loan in place of a maintenance grant will push the poorest students into higher levels of debt."

"There are no student fees in Scotland, Germany and 12 other European countries. I want to bring all UK students into line with that sensible approach. We all benefit from education, collectively as a society, not just as individuals. Keep protesting, keep campaigning for justice. Education is a right, not a privilege," he said.

Labour MP John McDonnell addressed the campaigners saying education is not a commodity to be bought, adding the voice of demonstrators needs to be heard.

Local media reported brief skirmishes broke out when crowds arrived at the destination, the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, which is in charge of universities. Endit