Green Party stands up for Further Education ahead of Spending Review

The Chancellor's Autumn Spending Review is predicted to include cuts in Further Education, an area of education which is already the Cinderella of the education sector suffering from poor funding and cuts in vital ESOL courses, as well as the casualisation of its teaching force.  The College of Northwest London and Harrow College do an excellent job in the face of these problems.

In a posting on Left Foot Forward today LINK , Natalie Bennett, leader of the Green Party said:

Unlike the chancellor, the Green Party knows the importance of further education. Colleges educate and train 2.9 million people in England, they train half of all construction, engineering and manufacturing apprentices and 71,000 16 to 18-year-olds undertake an apprenticeship through colleges.

We want George Osborne to adopt the Green Party’s policy in restoring the Education Maintenance Allowance for 16 and 17-year-olds and we would prioritise training in the skills needed to build a low-carbon economy.

Brent Fights Back

The local movement against public sector cuts and privatisation took another step forward last night when an open meeting adopted the name Brent Fightback and drew up plans for a series of actions:

• A petition is being circulated calling on Brent councillors and MPs to join the demonstration in favour of public services that will take place on October 20th when the outcomes of the Autumn Spending Review will be announced
• A coach has been organised to take demonstrators  to the Conservative Party Conference on Sunday October 3rd. It will pick up at 8am Kilburn Square; 8.20am Trades Hall, Willesden High Road; 8.45am Brent Town Hall. Tickets will be at least £15 waged, £5 low or unwaged. Book at brentunited@gmail.com
• A model resolution will be circulated to local union branches calling for support for Brent Fightback
• The impact of cuts locally will be publicised by a Brent Fightback newsletter and articles on local blogs including this one
• A Brent Fightback Facebook page will be be set up to share experiences and engage younger people
• Local leaflets and posters publicising the campaign will be produced and the first leafleting will take place at Wembley Park Station at 5pm  on Friday 17th September

The next Brent Fightback Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday September 15th and Open Meeting Tuesday September 21st. Both at the Trades Hall (Apollo Club), 375 Willesden High Road.