SHAUN Woodward is standing firmly behind the government's controversial tuition fee proposals, insisting it is the fairest way to fund university education.

Labour's St Helens South MP said the plans to allow universities and colleges to charge top-up fees of up to £3,000 a year are "absolutely essential" if institutions are to offer excellence to undergraduates. He said measures will be included to ensure the fees do not create a barrier that stops children from poorer backgrounds from going to university.

The plans would come into force in 2006 providing the Higher Education Bill is passed by parliament.

Such proposals, however, have been met with stern opposition. Reports on Monday suggested a Commons vote on the Bill could be delayed until the New Year.

Mr Woodward says universities and colleges are at financial "breaking point" and he argues, the fairest solution is to make graduates pay back loans once they are earning above £15,000.

Critics of the plans suggest graduates could be saddled with debts of more than £20,000, but Mr Woodward insists it is fairer to make young people pay this back rather than increasing levels of taxation across the board from people who have never benefited from university.

He said: "The conclusion the government has reached is the system can't go as it is and in the interests of making it fair it isn't fair to ask a pensioner on moderate means to pay more income tax to fund someone who is very likely to earn a lot more money as a consequence of the degree and would be able to pay that back in the course of their working life."

Mr Woodward believes any St Helens children, from "generally poor" backgrounds will not be put off from going to university by the plans, and he will press Education Minister Charles Clarke to ensure help is given to such students.

It is expected bursary schemes would be included for children from families on the lowest incomes and a means tested grant is expected to be introduced next year.