I was quizzed at BHASVIC Sixth Form College on Monday and then caught up with Sussex University students later in the week at a talk hosted by the Politics Society.

I try to meet up with local students as often as my diary will allow.

I'm hugely encouraged by their engagement with politics and I welcome feedback on the issues that are important to them, such as the hike in tuition fees, the scrapping of the Education Maintenance Allowance and job prospects after leaving education.  

One issue on which I was contacted by students at the beginning of this term was the Unizone discount fare scheme.

I was pleased to get confirmation from Southern that all higher education students in the Unizone area, which includes Brighton, were eligible for the scheme.

Fair ticket prices is an ongoing issue for residents here, and the subject came up on Thursday night as well, when I met with the Brighton Line Commuters group.

I've urged the Government to recognise that relentless hikes in the cost of fares have a serious effect on people's quality of life, and investment should be focussed on delivering affordable train travel for all.