Stephen has written to the Education Secretary about the cost of public transport for students.
The letter followed a survey by the National Union of Students. It found that one in five students had missed classes due to travel costs and that 32% of students have skipped meals due to soaring travel costs.
The NUS surveyed over 3,500 students earlier this year as part of its annual travel survey report. The organisation has previously noticed that transportation costs were becoming a significant barrier for students in accessing education. They feared the burden of commuting expenses were falling on students all too regularly.
Having sent the letter, Stephen said "I am deeply concerned about the ever rising costs of transport for students in my constituency of East Ham. This report shows that students are having to make sacrifices to access the education they need. It is clear that the Government needs to do more.
“I am grateful to the NUS for carrying out their survey and would urge ministers to consider some of its recommendations."
A local student, Gisella Elamradi, who wrote Stephen said "I am grateful for Stephen taking this issue to the Education Secretary. I hope this puts enough pressure on the Government to take action."
To read a full copy of the NUS UK report, click here.