Issue 157

Lembit Opik MP visits Swansea University

08th October 2007

Lembit Opik MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform for the Liberal Democrat party made a high profile appearance at Swansea University's Freshers' Fayre on Thursday 27 September, helping the Liberal Democrat Society to recruit more members.

Mr Opik was impressed with Freshers' Fayre as he commented that, "as somebody who used to run Freshers' Fayre's at Bristol University I can see how much better they could have been when I see how you've organised it here. It's got life it's got soul, it's got the people and as far as I'm concerned they are the ingredients of a vibrant student population and a successful university, so it's great."

Although Britain is now smoke- free, Mr Opik voted strongly against the smoking ban. When asked for his reasons for voting this way he said, "I don't go to a pub for the good of my health and I'm concerned about the advance of the 'nanny state' into our lives.

"I totally agree that people should not have to be exposed to passive smoking, but I completely disagree that banning smoking is a liberal thing to do. I would have preferred an indoor clean air act that requires a certain level of air purity indoors, and then bars which allow smoking have to achieve that. "I don't smoke myself and think it's a very harmful thing to do, considering seven out of ten people who smoke die because of it. All we can do is make sure people are aware of the dangers of smoking, otherwise we'll have to ban high fat foods, drinking and fast driving."

Quizzed on whether or not the PM should call a snap General Election, Opik thought that Mr Brown did not need his advice as he was a consummate professional who is smart enough to know that he should call an election when it's most advantageous to him.

Mr Opik also observed that "every week that goes by is bad for the Conservatives."

When asked if Labour had done enough for students Mr Opik said, "I think Labour has done as much damage to students as the Conservative party. After promising to legislate against top-up fees, Labour went ahead and introduced them.

"The Liberal democrats have always been clear that we would offer a more generous funding settlement to students. We don't want students to decide that they are better off on the dole than they are trying to improve themselves. Everyone knows that a graduate pays more tax in the long run and will earn more and that's good for the country and good for the individual. The Lib dems have been steadfast in their position there."

Mr Opik continued to say that he did not choose to come to Swansea University because he had lots of free time, but because he sees the importance of making direct contact with students. After visiting more than 100,000 students at Universities, Opik believes that this face to face connection with students, rather than TV appearances is what will engage them more in political issues, and more importantly, help students to understand the importance of voting in student and general elections. In many seats the student vote is the one that decides who gets elected, so Opik believes that students can make a difference to politics so long as they vote and don't sit on the sidelines.

Mr Opik also had strong views about the interest on repaying student loans doubling, to 4.8 per cent, stating that it had "Added injury to insult. Graduates on low incomes are paying more in tax than multi millionaires. I personally would introduce a non-means tested grant and provide an incentive for people to come and study to better themselves because education is a way to wealth, and wealth "I personally would introduce a non-means tested grant and provide an incentive for people to come and study to better themselves because education is a way to wealth, and wealth is a way to tax."

Although Mr Opik's cheeky girlfriend Gabriella was unable to visit Swansea University with him, when asked he said that she was fine and has an album coming out soon, and that, "it's all going pretty well".

Despite Opik stated that a wedding was not on the horizon, he did indicate that Waterfront would have an exclusive if it happens in the future. Opik joked that not only was Gabriella a better singer than him, but also a better cook. His favourite food is clam chowder, but she once impressed him with a chicken and pasta dish for dinner.

Lembit Opik started Bristol University as an Aeronautical Engineering student in 1983 but graduated in Philosophy in 1987. During his time at University Opik was Student Union President and later gained a place on the NUS exec committee.

Caroline Sutch