Left declares support for Alternative Education White Paper

The Government majority is gone following a new wave of support of 14 additional campaign group MPs for the Alternative Education White Paper. With a total of 72 labour backbenchers now signed up, Tony Blair is totally reliant on Tory votes to get his proposals through the commons.

Following a meeting of the Socialist Campaign Group, the left wing backbench group of Labour MPs, it was decided to throw the group's public support behind the recently launched Alternative Education White Paper and sign up on block.

This new wave of opponents to the Government's plans means that 72 Labour MPs have now expressed their support and definitely removes the Government majority of 67 leaving the Government forced to rely on Tory votes.

John McDonnell MP, Chair of the Campaign group said

“Despite having reservations about this lowest common denominator compromise, we're willing to negotiate an acceptable way forward with the Government.

“Our sincere hope is that the Prime Minister desists from relying upon a Cameron coalition to force his education policies through in the face of this overwhelming opposition within the Parliamentary Labour Party.”

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