THREE Co-op MPs voted against the Government in the crucial vote on the introduction of university top-up fees.
Despite the opposition of more than 70 Labour backbenchers, the Government survived the biggest Parliamentary rebellion in 50 years by 316 votes to 311 with several MPs abstaining.
The Labour/Co-op MPs who voted with the rebels were: Ian Davidson (Glasgow Pollok), Jim Dobbin (Heywood & Middleton) and Jon Owen Jones (Cardiff Central).
Two other Co-op-sponsored members – David Drew (Stroud) and David Lepper (Brighton Pavilion) – abstained, while David Taylor (Leicestershire North West) voted in both lobbies on the basis that he opposed the Bill, but also the opportunism of the Tory Opposition.
During the debate, Mr Taylor criticised the scope and role of the proposed new access regulator, saying it had "fewer teeth than a Glasgow granny."
Another Co-op MP who spoke in the debate was Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield), who chairs the Commons Education Select Committee.
Mr Sheerman told the House: "This Bill will make a remarkable step towards opening up all our universities to all our talents. I am an unashamed elitist – I want the elitism of potential and brains.
"The Government's package of reforms will build on the reforms elsewhere in the education system to open up opportunities."
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