A small group of Britons held a noisy protest outside the British High Commission this afternoon over the hike in University tuition fees in England.

The protest, by some eight young people, coincided with a protest in London which has seen thousands pour into the streets of the capital in yet another massive demonstration against the coalition government's plans.

A number of clashes were reported in London and at least 10 policemen were seriously injured. (see separate story)

The issue proved to be the coalition's biggest test yet, with several MPs from the Liberal Democrats, the junior partners in the coalition, saying they would not back the government.

The Lib Dems had promised before the election not to raise tuition fees.

A small number of Conservative MPs, including former leadership contender David Davis, also said they would not vote in favour. However the government later won the vote.

The government plans will see students at English universities charged fees of up to £9,000 pounds ( 10,700 euros) a year.

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