Teaching Union Votes to Oppose Reform UK in Classrooms and Back Palestine Action
Britain's largest teaching union, the National Education Union (NEU), has voted to combat what it labels the 'fascist' Reform UK party within classrooms and to lobby for overturning a ban on the extreme group Palestine Action. The motion, passed at the union's annual conference in Brighton, commits the NEU to distributing 'anti-racist teaching materials' as part of a campaign to prevent Reform UK from gaining power.
Union's Stance Against Reform UK
The motion explicitly opposes Nigel Farage's party, describing it as 'racist, fascist and Far Right'. It calls on teachers to 'campaign actively' against Reform UK in the forthcoming local elections on May 7. Additionally, the union encourages 'school-based anti-deportation campaigns' to support failed asylum seekers, further intensifying its political engagement.
Emma Farthing, a member from County Durham, challenged Reform UK supporters, stating, 'If you are a Reform member… I'd like you to justify how your party isn't homophobic, transphobic, misogynistic and racist.' Lisa Marie Tunnell highlighted concerns about the party's influence, noting that Reform UK had taken over Derbyshire County Council and citing 'flags on lampposts' as evidence of Far Right 'targeting' in nearby areas.
Criticism from Education Campaigners
This afternoon, Chris McGovern, a retired headteacher who runs the Campaign for Real Education, strongly criticised the motion. He said, 'The intolerant, authoritarian and anti-democratic NEU delegates who passed this motion are carnivorous sheep. They are the real fascists.' McGovern added, 'Most parents will be appalled that classrooms are to be turned into platforms for political indoctrination and brainwashing. The Government needs to enforce the law which outlaws bias and indoctrination in schools.'
Support for Palestine Action
Separately, the NEU vowed to campaign to legalise the Palestine Action group, which was proscribed under terror laws last year due to criminal damage during protests. This included incidents such as breaking into the Brize Norton military base in Oxfordshire, where activists sprayed military planes with red paint, and causing over £1 million in damage at a Thales military factory in Glasgow and an Elbit Systems defence firm near Bristol.
Debating the motion, delegates argued that proscribing Palestine Action violated the 'right to protest'. In February, the High Court ruled the ban 'unlawful', but it remains in place pending a potential government appeal. However, NEU member Ben Lawrence from Wiltshire expressed dissent, stating the union should not support a group involved in a 'criminal enterprise' causing 'millions in damage'.
Legal and Political Context
Teachers are legally required to maintain political impartiality in the classroom, though they may be politically active in their private lives. Last night, Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the NEU, defended the motion, saying, 'The NEU has reaffirmed a clear commitment to challenge all forms of racism, fascism and Far Right extremism. Young people are affected by racism and prejudice. It is important that there is opportunity during the school week to build positive attitudes and to ensure children and young people can develop the ability to think critically and independently.'
In response, Suella Braverman, Reform UK's education spokesman, said last week, 'Reform UK doesn't care about your skin colour, your gender, or your religion. We want a world-class education system that is built on love of our country, excellence and high standards, not ridiculous DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies that are poisoning the minds of young people.' Reform UK has been contacted for further comment on the union's motion.
