Left opposes Blair's programme for Privatisation of Education

John McDonnell, Chair of the Campaign Group, said:

“This is a reversion to the failed Tory education policies of schools competing against schools for both pupils, teachers, and resources.

“It will open the door to large-scale privatisation of the education sector, allowing private sector profiteering with a massive waste in resources as funds pour into the pockets of profit making speculators.

“Haven't we learnt anything from the other botched PFI schemes and the failed examples of private involvement in the public sector? What is needed is real investment in schools, teachers, classrooms and equipment.

“Installing competition as the prevailing ethos between every sector in the education system will only widen the gap between the 'haves' and 'have nots' and result in even greater inequality. Competition means there are always winners and losers.

“Before they leave office New Labour are intent on opening up the whole range of public provision to the free market. As these essential services are stripped away from public control and gradually deteriorate for the majority it will be the party that reaps the inevitable backlash at the next election.”

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