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Press Release

NUT respond to Cameron's speech

6 October 2010

Commenting on the Prime Minister's speech to Conservative Party Conference, Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers' union, said;

"The talk of the Big Society is meaningless, there is just no substitute for public services and, despite the denials, it is a cover for cuts. Volunteers and charities make a valuable contribution to society but they cannot run it. The Prime Minister knows this as I think does the country.

"David Cameron talks about the 'vested interest' of workers in the public sector and the unions, yet in a breathtaking act of hypocrisy, then talks of the businesses waiting in the wings to take over the running of our public services. What are they if not vested interests and who will hold them to account in this vision of a society cut free from government constraints?

"The Prime Minster spoke of parents going out and getting the new school they want in their area, yet by axing the Building Schools for the Future programme, denied exactly that opportunity to hundreds of parents and pupils.

"Yet again we are being told that there is no alternative to reducing the deficit other than through huge cuts. Well there are alternatives, put forward by the TUC and a range of economists. There is a choice. The government needs to choose investment for growth for the sake of our schools and public services.2



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National Union of Teachers

National Union of Teachers

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