ACTIONS certainly spoke louder than words as Winchester university students conducted a silent protest yesterday.

Students carried out a funeral march through the streets of the city, marking the ‘death of higher education.’ Seb Miell, president of the University of Winchester student union, said: “We decided to go with a silent protest because we wanted to show, especially after what happened in London, we can make our point known peacefully and within the law and that we don’t have to be loud louts which is quite often the stereotype of students.”

“The stereotype of students is that we just want to cause trouble but we went out there to show violence isn’t the way forward and I’m happy with the reaction we got from the crowds.

“We wanted to show how tuition fees going up and cuts to education are going to price those out of education in the future.”

Students taking part said they thought they would make a difference through their demonstration.

Chloe Bond, 19, who is studying for a degree in Children and Youth Work, said: “The protest has made quite a positive impact. We have proved as students we can be responsible and not violent. I think everyone will take notice of what we have done and it’s going to make people think about the impact of the cuts.”

The student union said the protest had the full backing of the university, and a small group of lecturers from different departments attended to give them support.