If always broke, fix it

Peter Geoghegan argues that the massive student protest in London on 10 November reflected real anger and is likely to be the first of many ("Student riots, the first taste of the fruits of unbridled austerity", 18 November). The focus of the authorities on pursuing those who protested at Millbank Tower suggests that they concur and are determined to make examples to dissuade further demonstrations.

This won't work, not only because the public sympathises with the protesters, but also because the idea of an affordable liberal education is at stake. Students have always accepted being broke while they study: being broke for the rest of their lives because they studied is another matter entirely.

Keith Flett, London.