Barry Kaye, of Newton Abbot Labour Party, writes:

One significant fact has emerged from the latest embarrassment of the misbegotton coalition government is that, given enough pressure, it will cave in and can be forced to make concessions. Even if in this instance, some proposed recipients may consider the concession of offering part free tuition fees as insulting.

Experience has shown that the offer of free dinners at one's primary or secondary school can have considerable stigma attached to the notion, should it become common knowledge. Particularly for those families who may not, despite financial considerations, not qualify.

It also raises the possibility that if enough pressure is applied, there may be many other govenment policies ripe for similar treatment.

Many thousands of upright and fairminded Liberal Democrat Party members and supporters signed up to Nick Clegg's election manifesto, only to find their dear leader has no shame in dumping his pledge on raising tuition fees and other issues of policy.

In his words, 'no shame, no regret' demonstrates his willingness to renege on the thousands of his supporters for the '30 pieces of silver' of government office'.

It is ironic that those in government, who have supported, promoted and backed the ideal of raised tuition fees and likely having attained a good university degree, at no cost, courtesy of the education system, and then having attained a certain level of income, or position, should pay a retrospective graduation tax, say £9,000 at least.

Particularly those in high government office, civil service or the military may raise a billion or two.

After all, it is only fair, whatever political colour or philosophy one adheres to.

What's good for the goose is sauce for the gander.