Tuition fees in England and Wales:a big whinge?

Aren't tuition fees terrible? If you were left wing, you could say that they are a tax on learning. Just as airport tax is a tax on holidays, and sales tax is a tax on that frilly new top you bought last week. Come to think of it, no tax is that popular or generally supported.

Why do we take it for granted that higher education should be free? Just like that holiday or frilly top, the purchaser derives some benefit from the transaction and agrees to pay the tax. But in the case of a degree, the benefit is not as superficial as a nice tan, or looking seductive in the pub, but a lifetime opportunity to earn high wages in a satisfying and interesting job.

But, the voices of student organisations cry, learning should be free for all with generous grants and inspirational teaching. Yet …