• Dec.3. 2010



He told a newspaper: "Obviously I have a duty as a minister to vote for my own policy - and that is what will happen."

Mr Cable has previously said all Lib Dem MPs would act collectively to abstain in the vote.

The Lib Dems told the BBC they are not disputing the quotes in the Richmond and Twickenham Times.

A source stressed the party's MPs were still discussing their position - but the BBC understands the idea of a mass abstention by Lib Dems on tuition fees is growing less likely.
'No doubt'

Liberal Democrats have faced angry protests from students, with the party's London MPs forced to cancel a planned conference on Saturday after fears it would be disrupted.
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What we are doing is giving universities the opportunity to maintain high standards by charging better off graduates later in life more than they are at the moment”
Vince Cable
Business Secretary

Mr Cable told the newspaper he had reconsidered his decision and had "no doubt" he should support the controversial policy that will allow some universities to charge up to £9,000 in fees.

He said he had been considering abstaining to offer an "olive branch" to Lib Dem colleagues who were "finding this difficult".

He added that he felt sad when he saw students taking to the streets, saying: "Whenever I get the chance to discuss the situation with them face-to-face and I am able to explain it I think there is more understanding of the problem - that we had to take very substantial cuts in my department."

He added: "What we are doing is giving universities the opportunity to maintain high standards by charging better-off graduates later in life more than they are at the moment.