Express & Star

Hundreds march against school budget cuts in Cannock

Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Staffordshire to protest against cuts to school funding.

Published
Last updated
Paul Dadge during the march against education cuts in Cannock town centre

Trade union members, school teachers, parents and children were among those to take part in the event in Cannock, which was organised by Labour's parliamentary candidate for Cannock Chase, Paul Dadge.

The march started off in Hunter Road and ended at the bandstand in Cannock town centre where a number of speeches were delivered against proposed school budget cuts.

The march against education cuts in Cannock town centre

Mr Dadge, who rose to national prominence after he was pictured helping an injured woman during the 7/7 terror attack, has made education cuts one of his key campaign messages.

Speaking after Saturday's march, he said: "There was an amazing turnout, and it was great to see so many people passionate about having a fully funded and fair education system that we can be proud of here in Cannock Chase.

"As a father of two primary school age children, I understand how important it is to have a well-rounded, enriching curriculum, and teachers who can support our children through their education.

"Cuts to education mean that teachers aren't properly supported and are inundated with paperwork, arts and languages are having to be cut from the curriculum, children will be left without free school meals, and are being taught in classes with around 30 other children.

"This is unacceptable - schools are fundamental to giving our children experiences, knowledge and opportunities to have a brighter future, and help ensure a more prosperous future for our country."

The march against education cuts in Cannock town centre

He added: "Tory cuts to education are indefensible, and I promise to vote to protect the quality of our schools."

Mr Dadge said his old school, Jerome Primary in Cannock, will lose £35,235 under the plans.

Labour says that Conservative manifesto pledges mean that there will be a 6.9 per cent fall in school funding in real terms by 2022 if they are returned to power.

Jeremy Corbyn has pledged a 1.6 per cent increase in real terms funding for schools by 2022 should Labour win the election.

The march against education cuts in Cannock town centre

Mr Dadge added: "By developing a National Education Service, providing free school meals for all children, not allowing any new grammar schools or free schools and scrapping tuition fees, we at Labour are proposing an education system that works for all children.

"We will make sure they have the best start out in life possible, regardless of their background."

The unions NAHT, NUT and GMB were all represented at the march. The Conservative manifesto promised to redirect £1 billion in additional funding to state schools by cutting free school meals for infants.

But the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said that school funding would fall by nearly three per cent by 2021 even with the additional cash, after adjusting for inflation and a rise in the numbers of students enrolled.