TWO Bolton MPs have spoken up for students in a parliamentary debate over the Government’s decision to scrap the Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

In the opposition-led debate, both Yasmin Qureshi, who represents Bolton South East, and Julie Hilling, the Bolton West MP, slammed the decision.

EMA was introduced by the previous government to encourage young people from lowerincome families, those in which the household income is less than £30,800, to “stay on” in education rather than leaving school at 16.

Currently, 75 per cent of students at Bolton Sixth Form College are claiming EMA, while 59 per cent at Bolton Community College receive the benefits.

The vast majority are entitled to the full £30 a week payment. Ms Qureshi said: “In my constituency, 934 young people at Bolton sixthform college receive EMA — 75 per cent of the college intake — which is the third largest in the country.

“There are 1,188 people at Bolton community college also taking up EMA. For those young people and those colleges even to function, the continuation of EMA is vital.”

Ms Hilling, a former youth worker, questioned Education Secretary Michael Gove on the scope of the consultation carried out before deciding to end EMA payments.

She said: “Does he accept the research about students staying on was flawed?

Mr Gove said: “The survey was wideranging; more than 2,000 people were approached.”