Campaign for a New Workers' Party

If you think all the big political parties are the same - you're right! The bosses have got three parties - isn't it about time we had one of our own?

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For all press and media enquiries contact:
Press Officer: Pete McLaren

Email: pete.mclaren@virgin.net

Phone: 07881 520626

LABOUR AND TORIES UNITE TO LET THE FREE MARKET LOOSE ON SCHOOLS

New Workers’ Party needed to defend comprehensive education and public services

For immediate use 23 May 2006

The spectacle of New Labour and Conservative MPs walking through the parliamentary lobbies together to ensure the successful passage of the Education and Inspections Bill exposes the real crisis in political representation for trade unionists today.

Martin Powell-Davies, Teachers’ representative on the CNWP national steering committee said:

“Today’s vote shows that the Government are determined to privatise and fragment education. It is part and parcel of their big business ideology which considers that the future of public services has to be market competition. But the Education Bill will leave our school system even more divided. Working-class families will be the losers.”

“Teacher unions and education campaigners have won all the arguments but most MPs simply didn’t want to listen. More and more teachers are recognising that these big business politicians will only take notice if they face a real challenge – from industrial action by trade unions and from a political challenge from a new workers’ party”

Dave Nellist, Chair of the Campaign for a New Workers’ Party said: “This shabby coalition reveals all too clearly how New Labour has embraced old Tory policies. Both parties are united in trying to dismantle comprehensive education and all of the other public services that trade unionists have fought for over decades. The Conservatives have always stood for privatisation and privilege. Now New Labour is no different”.

“The main parties are operating their own big business agenda. A new trade-union backed party is needed to give teachers and parents a real voice. The best thing that the Labour rebels can do if they really want to defend education is to join our Campaign for a New Workers’ Party”.

NOTES

The Campaign for a New Workers’ Party (CNWP) was launched in London at a Conference attended by 450 socialists and trade unionists on March 19. Nearly 2,000 supporters have already signed the founding declaration, and a number of left groups have affiliated. Officers and a Steering Committee have been elected.

For further information contact:

Pete McLaren on 07881 520626

Dave Nellist on 07970 294237

Email: pete.mclaren@virgin.net

info@cnwp.org.uk

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