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NASUWT: Parents, teachers, and the public rally for education

NASUWT: Parents, teachers, and the public rally for education

Parents, teachers, headteachers, governors and other members of the public will tomorrow (Saturday) be taking part in the first of a series of Rallies for Education across England and Wales as part of a campaign to defend the education of children and young people.

The Rallies for Education are jointly organised by the NASUWT and NUT teachers’ trade unions, which together represent nine out of ten classroom teachers across the country.

Today’s rallies are being held in Manchester and Liverpool and will be addressed by NUT General Secretary Christine Blower and NASUWT General Secretary Chris Keates, as well as parents, teachers and others.

The rallies come as both unions embark on the next phase of their campaign of industrial action which will include a one-day strike in the North West on June 27.

Further Rallies for Education will be held in Birmingham, Cardiff, Newcastle and Leeds in the coming weeks.

Chris Keates, NASUWT General Secretary said:

“Parents, teachers and the public care deeply about the education of our children and young people. That is why there is widespread opposition to the education policies of the Coalition Government.

“These Rallies for Education are being held in defence of our world class public education system which the Coalition Government is determined to wreck.”

Christine Blower, NUT General Secretary said:

“We know that neither teachers nor parents are happy with education policy under Michael Gove. He is hell bent on riding roughshod over the wishes of parents, local communities and the teaching profession.

“Even the Public Accounts Committee has now publicly criticised him.

“Today's rally gives an opportunity for the voices of opposition to be raised. We know there are alternatives. Michael Gove must now stop, listen and reflect.”

ENDS

NASUWT Press Office contacts:
Ben Padley 07785 463 119
Lena Davies 07867 392 746
Amanda Williamson 0774 124 6202

NUT Press Office contacts:
Caroline Cowie 07879 480 061

Notes to Editors:
The NASUWT and NUT have announced a series of joint rallies which will be held in six cities in England and Wales. The details are below.

Chris Keates and Christine Blower will be available for press and broadcast interviews. Also available for interview are NUT Deputy General Secretary Kevin Courtney and NASUWT Deputy General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach.

Saturday 27 April 2013 – Manchester
Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm
Location: Midland Hotel, Peter Street, Manchester, M60 2DS
Speakers: Chris Keates, NASUWT General Secretary and Kevin Courtney, NUT Deputy General Secretary.

Saturday 27 April 2013 – Liverpool
Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm
Location: Holiday Inn Liverpool City Centre, Lime Street, Liverpool, L1 1NQ
Speakers: Christine Blower, NUT General Secretary and Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT Deputy General Secretary.

Saturday 11 May 2013 – Birmingham
Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm
Location: ICC, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA
Speakers: Chris Keates, NASUWT General Secretary and Kevin Courtney, NUT Deputy General Secretary.

Saturday 11 May 2013 – Leeds
Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm
Location: Hilton Leeds City Hotel, Neville Street, Leeds, LS1 4BX
Speakers: Christine Blower, NUT General Secretary and Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT Deputy General Secretary.

Saturday 18 May 2013 – Cardiff
Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm
Location: Motorpoint Arena, Mary Ann Street, Cardiff, CF10 2EQ
Speakers: Chris Keates, NASUWT General Secretary and Kevin Courtney, NUT Deputy General Secretary.

Saturday 18 May 2013 – Newcastle
Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm
Location: Centre for Life, Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4EP
Speakers: Christine Blower, NUT General Secretary and Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT Deputy General Secretary.