Last week the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg MP, said sorry for making and breaking a pledge to young people before the last General Election - to abolish tuition fees.

In response to the apology, BYC Chair Rosina St James (21) said:

"Last week the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg MP, said sorry for making and breaking a pledge to young people before the last General Election - to abolish tuition fees.

The British Youth Council also wants to abolish fees and has opposed rising student debt. Many first time young voters might have supported the politicians making this pledge. And since the promise was subsequently broken and the coalition Government raised fees, BYC has marched, lobbied and even met with the Deputy Prime Minister to challenge the Government on this issue. It's hurting young people, putting others off going to university, and generally sending a message that it's okay for young people to have debt.

So is it inevitable that politicians make and break promises? It might be easier to seek forgiveness afterwards than to get permission in the first place, but it could mean that in future young voters decide to prioritise the integrity of candidates, over the popularity of their pledges.

We call on all politicians to look at the youth agenda - at the issues that matter to young people such as unemployment, education and careers advice - and only make pledges to us you can keep. You can make conditional promises but we can't make conditional votes. So if your promise is conditional it's probably best not to make it at all."

What did you think about Nick Clegg's apology? Let us know at mail@byc.org.uk