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Two Lib Dem ministerial aides have resigned their positions ahead of the tuition fees vote.
Edinburgh West MP Mike Crockart has resigned as parliamentary private secretary (PPS) to Scottish secretary Michael Moore.
And Cardiff Central MP Jenny Willott has quit as PPS to energy secretary Chris Huhne.
In a statement issued this afternoon Crockart said he could not vote for the plans as they "put barriers" in the path of students from poor backgrounds.
"I know that many of my colleagues have agonised over the issue of tuition fees and come to a different conclusion, believing that this is the best solution possible given the tight public finances left to us by the previous government and I respect their decision," he said.
"However, I believe that access to higher education is a key enabler of social mobility and the best way to narrow the gap between the richest and poorest in society.
"I cannot therefore vote for a system which I believe puts barriers in the path of able students."
Crockart said it had been an "incredibly hard, personal decision" that he had not made lightly.
"After the publication of the Browne Review I made no secret of my concerns about his proposals," he said.
"I was keen to see the outcome of ministerial negotiations before making any final decision.
"I had hoped that the government would be able to come up with a package of proposals which I would feel able to support."
Crockart was the victim of a hoax earlier in the week when a man impersonating him was interviewed on the BBC.
The imposter told the broadcaster that he intended to resign and vote against the tuition fee hike.
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