LABOUR EXPLOIT THE ‘WEAKEST ELEMENT’ OF
THE ‘ASSEMBLY POLITICAL SOCIETY’
a media release issued on 19th December 2006
William Graham – Conservative Assembly Spokesman for Education – responding to the Labour/Plaid budget deal, outlines:
“This is not a victory for Labour – despite all their spin – people will realise they have sought out and exploited the ‘weakest element’ of the ‘Assembly political society’.
“Pupils, parents, schools, colleges and universities in Wales have been let down by Plaids total capitulation”
“Welsh Conservatives have been consistent and realistic in focussing upon additional spending for schools and HE institutes in Wales throughout the budget negotiations”.
“Schools need to be able to plan to meet the future demands upon of education service. It is therefore vital that money is found for to allow them to realise these plans. I have received representations for parents and schools seeking confirmation of adequate school funding”.
“Universities will be bewildered by this budget. How is the funding gap going to be addressed? Will they be allowed to fall further behind when top-up fees are increased in England”.
“In May 2005 the Assembly committed itself to supporting Welsh students. This budget reneges on that Plenary motion and exposes Labour and Plaid as parties of talking about ‘what is good for Wales’ yet unable to ‘act for the good of Wales’.
William Graham JP, AM
SPOKESMAN FOR EDUCATION
Email – william.graham@wales.gov.uk