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Barry Sheerman argued passionately for the continuation of the Education Maintenance Allowances during a debate on the program in Parliament on Wednesday.

While the Government proceeded with their plan to scrap the EMA scheme, Mr Sheerman stood with other Labour MPs in support of EMAs and their many benefits for students. He believes the halt of EMAs will severely hurt students' opportunities for higher education.

"It is right that there should be priorities, but removing the EMA will hurt all communities, up and down the land. They do a wonderful job of bringing young people who would not otherwise have the chance into education."

Mr Sheerman added both Huddersfield New college and Kirklees college depend heavily on EMAs and do a wonderful job in bringing young people who would not otherwise have the chance into education.

Without the EMAs, he is deeply concerned about students' abilities to pursue higher education.

"Those people in this House who understand the wonderful job that FE colleges do will share my feeling that this is a shameful day in educational policy."

He believes the cuts to EMA will increase long-term costs and impacts, as well as change the culture of the country. However, Mr Sheerman will continue to support higher education programs. Barry is meeting with students from Kirklees college students this week to campaign further on this cause.