Liberal Democrat conference cancelled over protest fears
Fears over student protests have forced the Liberal Democrats to abandon a regional party conference planned for Saturday 4th December 2010.
Demonstrators had planned to target the event to voice their anger over the Lib Dems' ditching of a general election pledge to oppose tuition fee rises.
It had been set to take place at a north London school but party bosses were forced to look for somewhere else when the head teacher raised security concerns.
When the second venue (Royal Horticultural Halls in Vincent Square), said the same thing, the whole thing was pushed back to February.
"It has been postponed because of the venues' fears for security," a party spokesman said.
Fiona Edwards, a spokeswoman for protest organisers the Free Education Campaign, said the Lib Dems were "running scared."
"This reflects the fact that they are feeling the pressure from these student protests. They are running scared but we will keep chasing them down."
Ms Edwards said they had been expecting up to 1,000 people but were not sure whether any protest would go ahead now.
"It is a shame that they won't engage with students on this issue," she added.
MPs will vote on increasing fees 9th December. The Liberal Democrats continue to agonise over whether to vote for the plan.
The party is deeply divided, with some determined to vote against the measure in line with election promises.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, the target of much student anger, has refused to say how he plans to vote.
