Political Party News
Solidarity says: Government is wrong on BNP teachers ban
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Written by News Reporter
Solidarity, the independent trade union for patriots has released the following statement.
The announcement by gaffe-prone Education Minister Michael Gove that 'extremist' teachers were to be banned from teaching was condemned by the nationalist Trade Union Solidarity.
General Secretary Patrick Harrington said "It is not clear who would fall foul of such legislation since although the BNP was mentioned by name Gove talks of those of an 'extremist tenor' (perhaps Socialist, Anarchist and Islamic?)
The last Government at least had the good sense to commission an independent inquiry into racism in schools. It decided that any ban would be unnecesary since there were so few incidents. The head of that enquiry, to whom Solidarity submitted evidence, even stated that any ban would be a political rather than professional act.
The fact that the Police and Prison Service apply a ban is a red-herring as it has yet to be tested in Court. Ultimately we believe that European legislation will overturn such bans."
He added "Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, however let the cat out of the bag by stating 'the issue is one of making sure that a clear message goes out that membership of the BNP and other extremist groups is incompatible with being a teacher.' This makes it clear that the aim is bullying and political and not about individual conduct."
Michael Gove really needs to do his homework since the whole issue of banning citizens from teaching due to their political allegiances has already been thoroughly debated and no neutral professional or academic body would back such a ban. If Gove however intends to go down a PC route he will find himself frustrated at each turn as Solidarity, as a Libertarian Union, would fight tooth and nail against any political ban."
Earlier this year Solidarity successfully defended a teacher Adam Walker at the General Teaching Council from accusations of intolerance and a possible life-ban from teaching. Solidarity is the only Union actively defending freedom of expression, belief and association for teachers.
Contact: Solidarity General Secretary, Patrick Harrington on 07794 486858 or
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http://www.solidaritytradeunion.org
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