Students from the University of Winchester made one final protest yesterday, before today’s vote on student fees in the House of Commons.

Since a Government report was published two months ago advising an increase in university tuition fees, students have been vehemently protesting across the country.

But only 20 students turned out for yesterday’s march, hinting they were now admitting defeat.

Jez Davis, Winchester Student Union vice president, said: “My gut feeling is that they will vote for the cuts but I hope it doesn’t happen.”

But Mr Davis blamed the weather for the low turn out and said students would keep protesting even if fee increases were voted in.

Meanwhile, pupils from The Mountbatten School at Romsey have joined the campaign against the proposed increase in university tuition fees.

They presented a petition bearing 400 signatures to Roy Perry, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for children’s services.

Mr Perry, whose portfolio includes education, accepted the petition on behalf of his daughter, Caroline Nokes, Romsey’s MP, who was at Westminster.

Head teacher Heather McIllroy, who was also at the meeting with Mr Perry, said: “We often hear about plans to ‘narrow the gap’ in educational provision but I know some of our students feel it is widening so I’m pleased they’ve had the opportunity to make their collective voice heard.”