Many here feel that the basic right of education for all are being compromised by the coalition government and so are taking a stand by marching today

Thousands of NUT members have lined the streets of London today for a loud, colourful, and angry protest against the continuous attack on their pensions, working conditions, and the ever-more draconian measures of education secretary Michael Gove. Delegations from across London were visible, as well as many young children and students marching with their parents and teachers.

Solidarity came from all sides including from the People’s Assembly and various other local anti-cuts campaigns. The rally began in central London and made its way to Whitehall, where the chanting, singing, and enraged cries continued. The government’s response to the march was to repeat the myth that teachers are being treated fairly, as pay freezes and cuts to pensions continue.

Bahir, a retired ‘elder statesman’ from Barnet, said that today’s march was about defending education from the ‘creeping privatisation of public services.’ Many here feel that the basic right of education for all are being compromised by the coalition government and so are taking a stand by marching today.

Teachers are now hoping that the NUT escalates industrial action, together with other teachers’ unions, in order to reverse Gove’s devastating attacks.