Members of Britain’s Jewish youth movements have launched a campaign to challenge the government’s position on the tuition fees rise and gap years.

Bnei Akiva (BA) and the Federation of Zionist Youth (FZY) started the “Mind the Gap” petition out of concern that the prospect of paying fees of up to £9,000 would discourage students from taking a year out before university.

Both movements, along with several other Anglo-Jewish organisations, run popular schemes taking British school-leavers to volunteer and study in Israel.

Jewish MP Lee Scott has joined the list of possible government rebels in tomorrows vote on plans to raise university fees.

The Conservative MP for Ilford North has said he will abstain at the vote, despite being a senior cabinet aide in the coalition government.

In an email to the JC, he said: "I am not voting for a fees increase.”

He added: “I am working on proposals to help students and will have further details in the new year.”

Before the general election Mr Scott was one of four incumbent Conservatives to sign a pledge to block higher fees.