Liberal Democrats defend poorest students

"Plans to cut maintenance grants are wrong and we will fight them tooth and nail. Social mobility is a real priority and these changes threaten to further entrench inequality. It is something I oppose," - Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat leader, as Tories axe maintenance grants for the poorest students without proper debate and approval by Parliament

The House of Lords, which is dominated by Labour and the Lib Dems, could have blocked the move if it had been done through primary legislation, but peers may not have a chance to thoroughly scrutinise regulations being pushed through by the unrestricted Conservative government.