Sir Peter Soulsby (Leicester South) (Lab)

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A few weeks ago, my right hon. Friend the Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz), supported by my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester West (Liz Kendall) and me, launched a city-wide petition against the Government’s proposals to abolish the education maintenance allowance. Last week my right hon. Friend presented a petition presented by those who study at Gateway college in his constituency. Tonight I present a petition signed by those associated with Regent college and Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I college in my constituency.

Signed by 327 people, the petition states:

The Petition of residents of Leicester and the surrounding area,

Declares that the Petitioners oppose the abolition of the Education Maintenance Allowance; notes that a substantial number of young people are in receipt of the Education Maintenance Allowance in Leicester; and further notes that education can provide a better future for young people.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government not to abolish the Education Maintenance Allowance.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.

[P000901]