University News Last updated 22 May 2017
Voters in the Edgbaston constituency will this week (24th May 2017, 6.00pm-7.30pm) have the opportunity to quiz parliamentary candidates standing at the 2017 General Election in a unique event focused on the future of education.
Birmingham National Union of Teachers, in conjunction with ATL, GMB, NAHT and Unison trade unions, parental campaign groups and Birmingham City University, have organised the Education Question Time event at Harborne Academy.
Birmingham’s Edgbaston constituency could be a key battleground at this General Election, particularly with former Labour MP Gisela Stuart’s decision not to seek re-election. Ms Stuart MP was re-elected in 2015 with a majority of 2,706.
Birmingham NUT General Secretary, David Room, said, ‘"Headteachers are being forced to make decisions they should not have to make, including reducing the number of support staff and teachers, increasing class sizes and reducing the range of subjects offered simply to balance the book. This is an unacceptable state of affairs. It is vital that those hoping to govern after 8th June 2017 are asked how they plan to solve the education funding crisis. We encourage parents, staff and students to come along to the Education Question Time at Harborne Academy on 24th May and give the candidates a good grilling. The NUT will continue campaigning for additional funding to protect our children’s education."
Prof Ian Blair, Executive Dean, Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, said,