James has played a key role in the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts, organising a national march in November.

Deborah Hermanns, from the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts, said organisers were delighted with the scale of Wednesday's demonstration.

Michael Chessum, a co-founder of the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts, the group that called yesterday's day of action, also rejected Stephenson's comments.

The National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts are calling for another day of walkouts, protests and occupations in schools, colleges and universities across the country.