Labour seats have, on average, 6, 000 fewer electors than Tory ones because of the long-term drift of population from the cities to the shire counties and the leafy suburbs.

ECONOMIST: Bagehot

But the NUS is concerned there is a long-term drift towards placing entry charges on students - following the precedent set by tuition fees - and has supported an early-day motion in the House of Commons declaring opposition to top-up fees, signed by 38 MPs.

BBC: Students want ban on 'top-up fees'

Many market participants agree that the long term inclination for stocks is to drift higher.

FORBES: Hope Withers for February Market Breakout