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MP Jeremy Corbyn at the protest
Ruth Kelly at the launch
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MP Corbyn ‘spoils party’
Special Report: With hundreds of parents demanding a school for their children the New Journal examines the controversies over the future of education
ISLINGTON Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn was accused of “ruining the party” attended by Education Secretary Ruth Kelly for the official opening of the new £15million City and Islington College centre on Tuesday morning.
Mr Corbyn – joined by Islington’s Labour opposition leader Cllr Catherine West – spoke at a protest outside the college, against academy schools, and lecturer’s poor pay and conditions, shortly before the Minister’s arrival in Camden Road.
The attack came from Brian Roper, Vice Chancellor of nearby London Met University, in Holloway Road, another guest, who denounced the demonstration as “misguided”.
Mr Roper added: “This is a time for celebration, there are established ways of making your views known rather than spoiling a party.
“This is not about them it’s about the young people of the borough.”
He described the new centre as one of England’s finest education achievements. “It’s a great tribute to the Principal Frank McLoughlin, staff and governors and a symbol of re-birth for the borough.”
Mr Corbyn said he did welcome the new centre, but needed to represent parents’ concerns that plans to turn St Mary Magdalen and Islington Green into City academies could bring a return to selective education.
He added: “It will mean selection via the backdoor, which is against everything I stand for and I think the Labour party stands for.
“I’m not in favour of foundation schools I’m in favour of community comprehensive schools which we have in this borough and which are doing well.”
Ms Kelly said that the Government would be prepared to legislate to ensure there is no selection in foundation and academy schools.
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