Date: 30 January 2009

Public money should not subsidise private education - UNISON

Scotland's education union - UNISON - today condemned the right-wing campaign body ReformScotland for proposing more public subsidy for the private sector, and threatening the quality of Scotland's education.

Dave Watson, UNISON's Scottish Organiser said "Once again failed Tory candidates and private business people try and convince us that their prejudices are to be taken seriously as they propose yet more public subsidy to set up private schools.

"It defies belief that the private sector - having come crying for public moneys to bail out their chaotic handling of the finance sector, now want more public cash to fund private schools. Private involvement in education has led to events like the emergency intervention of Ofsted in the Richard Rose Academy in Carlisle, and the collapse of Ballast Wilshire in the middle of building East Lothian's PFI schools.

"Proposals, like handing over education to business and to religious fundamentalism indicates the true nature of Reform Scotland, and belies its claim to be taken seriously as an 'independent' think tank."

ENDS

Note for Editors:- Reform Scotland is run by Geoff Mawdsley, ex-Tory Candidate for Stirling and former senior adviser to the Party in Scotland. Its Chair is Ben Thomson, Chair of investment banking and PFI Group, the Noble group.

For Further Information Please Contact: Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser - Policy) 07958 122 409(m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0771 558 3729(m)

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