McNarry comments on NI Select Committee Report
Commenting on today’s publication of the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee report on education, UUP Education Spokesperson David McNarry said:
“It is disappointing that the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee did not venture to advise the Secretary of Secretary to postpone the passage of the government’s education reforms until after the current talks process so that the issue can be thrashed out by locally elected MLAs.
“On the Select Committee, Northern Ireland MPs are a small minority. Regrettably on this occasion local Westminster representation were set against the combined weight of Labour and Conservative MPs.
“The fact that the Committee were reluctant to push against the government is a sign of how immovable the Northern Ireland Office will be when the reforms are introduced for Westminster legislation.
“I take no encouragement from the cop out suggestion by the Committee to Angela Smith that there are areas she should revisit. The Direct Ruler’s record is one of paying no attention to voices making reasonable challenges to grave errors of judgement.
“This setback should be a timely warning for those who oppose the government proposals that time is running out.
“Unless they pitch up their tents on the lawns of Stormont and set up camp to demonstrate defiance against these proposals then they cannot even claim to have fought the good fight.
“The Direct Rulers are laughing at the democratic voice here, raised in the name of demanding only an appropriate education system which is best for Northern Ireland.
“It is time for the spirit of education to gather itself for a battle with the government and for parents, teachers, school governors et al to march on Stormont Castle and stay put until Peter Hain agrees to listen.
“This is not about partisan Party politics but all about stopping this government frenzy to introduce poor and inappropriate policies on education.”