UCU leader to condemn fee rises at anti-austerity rally
The government’s education policies spread ignorance, not privilege, the general secretary of the University and College Union will tell an anti-austerity demonstration today.
Speaking at the Trades Union Congress rally in London’s Hyde Park, Sally Hunt will condemn the axing of college grants, the introduction of loans to cover college courses, and the tripling of university fees. She will also criticise the government for spending more on youth unemployment than on further education.
“David Cameron says he wants to spread privilege, but the only thing his education policies spreads are ignorance,” she will say. “Only a government that is going in the wrong direction would be spending more on youth unemployment than on further education.
“Grants have been withdrawn for the poorest college students. Young adults wanting to go back to college to study have to fund their courses through loans like in higher education and university fees have trebled.”
Ms Hunt will call for a society “that is fair and just”, and offers everyone a chance to succeed.
“You judge a society on how it looks after those who most need help. This government is denying people opportunities to get jobs or education and then portraying them as lazy and feckless. “
The TUC says it expects “tens of thousands” of protesters to attend the ‘A Future that Works’ rally, which will follow a protest march through central London.
chris.parr@tsleducation.com
