NEU Leader Delivers Scathing Critique of Labour's Education Agenda
Daniel Kebede, the general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), has launched a blistering attack on the Labour government's handling of education, asserting that it is letting down Britain's children. In a powerful address at the NEU's annual conference in Brighton, Kebede condemned the administration for failing to deliver on its promises, with schools described as 'running on empty' and policy details that 'just do not deliver'.
Growing Discontent Among Union Members
Kebede highlighted a significant shift in political allegiance among NEU members, noting that 65% of those who voted Labour in 2024 now indicate they will not do so again. He framed this as a stark warning to the government, stating, 'History teaches us that warnings ignored become consequences.' The speech came after Green party leader Zack Polanski received a standing ovation at the conference for proposing radical changes, including abolishing Ofsted and injecting substantial funds into schools.
While Kebede clarified that the union does not agree with the Greens on all points, he praised their vision of an education system 'built on possibility rather than scarcity.' He emphasised that the growing support for the Green party among members is a response to perceived failures in Labour's approach.
Specific Policy Criticisms and Funding Shortfalls
Kebede targeted several key government initiatives, such as the new Ofsted framework, curriculum and assessment review, children's wellbeing bill, and schools white paper. He argued that while the headline rhetoric is welcome, the implementation lacks substance. For instance, he labelled changes to Ofsted as mere 'rebranding' and criticised the persistence of high-stakes testing culture.
A major point of contention is the government's special educational needs (SEN) proposals, which aim to improve inclusion in mainstream schools. The Department for Education has allocated £1.6 billion over three years for this purpose, with additional funds for local authorities and teacher training. However, Kebede insisted this is insufficient, declaring, 'You cannot promise inclusion whilst you starve the services that make inclusion real.' He painted a vivid picture of classrooms as 'the frontline of every unresolved crisis in our society,' where hunger, anxiety, and unmet SEN needs are daily realities.
Threats of Industrial Action and Broader Concerns
Kebede warned that the NEU is prepared to take national industrial action if necessary, with an indicative strike ballot on teacher pay, workload, and funding currently underway. He also addressed wider societal issues impacting schools, such as the harmful effects of social media, which he attributed to platforms owned by 'sleazy degenerates' that exploit children.
Additionally, he condemned attempts at book censorship in school libraries, linking it to far-right influences and citing examples from the USA and Hungary. The union passed a motion opposing such censorship and promoting the NEU as a union for librarians.
Internal Union Dynamics and TUC Investigation
In a revealing aside, Kebede disclosed that the Trades Union Congress has initiated an investigation into the NEU for breaching TUC rules. This relates to the NEU's withdrawal from an agreement restricting its ability to organise school support staff, who are the union's fastest-growing section. Kebede argued the 2017 agreement is unworkable and unjust, calling for collective action to resolve the issue.
Despite his criticisms, Kebede expressed a desire for the government to succeed, urging it to listen and correct its course. 'I want this government to listen. To understand where it has gone wrong. And to recognise what it must do if it is to honour the hopes of those who voted for change,' he concluded, underscoring the high stakes for education in the UK.
