BRIAN COX, actor and rector of Dundee University, has announced his switched support from Scottish Labour to the Scottish National Party in this week’s Holyrood election because of the SNP’s policies on higher education.

In a statement, Mr Cox said: “As a lifelong Labour supporter, I find myself in this particular election feeling that I must support Alex Salmond and the SNP. The SNP has a vision for education in Scotland and the experience to ensure that they see it through.

 “Alas, my position as Rector of Dundee University supersedes in this situation my hitherto strong Labour Party affiliation. At this juncture, I feel that Alex Salmond’s policies are the right policies to hold the line against tuition fees in Scotland. I believe passionately in free education and know that as long as Alex is First Minister, he will defend this principle.

It is because of his leadership on the critical issue of higher education that I am happy to endorse Alex and hope to see him re-elected in May.”

In response to this, Alex Salmond said: “It is great to have the endorsement from one of Scotland’s most famous sons, and on the positive policy of supporting free education. For all Brian’s fame and international reputation, he is a dedicated and passionate supporter of the principles of Scottish education, and his welcome remarks will carry wide appeal across Scotland.”

Whilst Cox is supporting the SNP because of their tuition fees policies, other parties have also announced similar ideas in their manifestos. Scottish Labour has also promised not to bring in tuition fees for university students, as has the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

Similarly, the Green Party, which had two MSPs in the most recent parliament, opposes fees for Scots university students studying at home.