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Greer says Swinney "humiliated" as much-criticised Education Bill proposals are shelved

Scottish Greens education spokesperson Ross Greer MSP today (26 June) described Education Secretary John Swinney as "humiliated" after the deputy first minister announced that he would be shelving his much-criticised Education Bill proposals.

Greens have been consistent opponents of the SNP's proposed changes of school governance, a view shared by teachers, unions, parents, councils and education experts, when the real issue facing Scottish education is lack of resources and loss of teaching and support staff.

Ross Greer MSP said:

"This is a humiliating moment for the deputy first minister, whose proposals have been rejected by teachers, parents and opposition parties in parliament. He's now trying to avoid parliament altogether by sneaking watered down changes through by other means.

"His attempted sweetener of £10million for new regional bodies will leave a sour taste as that cash could have gone towards re-employing hundreds of teachers and support staff who have been cut in previous years, due to SNP cuts to council budgets. The number one issue in Scottish education is staffing, and Scottish Ministers need to admit their mistake and change course."