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LOCAL MP SPEAKS OUT AGAINST TEACHERS’ STRIKE NUT “DISGRACEFUL” SAYS CRISPIN BLUNT

Crispin Blunt today condemned the National Union of Teachers for taking strike action today. Seven schools in the Reigate constituency are thought to be effected by the strike. Speaking in Westminster Mr Blunt said:

“For teachers to resort to strike action at a time when thousands of school pupils are preparing for the summer exam season is wholly unreasonable. I am very sorry for those children who will miss out on classes today because of a political dispute over pay.”

In March this year Mr Blunt also responded to an NUT motion calling for a ban on the armed services visiting schools and giving career talks to students. Writing to the head teachers of secondary schools in the constituency Mr Blunt said:

“Britain’s armed forces are currently severely stretched by major military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is rightly a serious debate about the merits of those interventions and about the conduct of the war. However, such controversy should not be used to undermine pride in our armed forces and the excellent role models provided by our sailors, soldiers and airmen.  I trust that you agree that service in the Armed Services is to be encouraged, not only in the national interest, but also for the benefits it brings to the individuals who so serve.”

So far Mr Blunt has received a very positive response and in particular he was delighted to hear that the Royal Navy had had the opportunity to present to over 240 students at East Surrey College.

“Just as I unreservedly condemn the disgraceful attitude of the NUT towards our armed services so am I appalled by them using strike action which imperils the education of the children in their charge to further an industrial dispute. I desire a well-respected and well-rewarded teaching profession. Today’s actions and the foolish motions passed at their conference do not help work towards this objective.