Leech Hits Outs at Labour's Adult Education Cuts

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 16th Jan 2007

John Leech MP is Fighting Against Manchester Labour's Cuts to Adult Education

John Leech MP has slammed the Labour Government for cutting funding for adult education. Speaking during Education Questions in the House of Commons last week, the Manchester Withington MP challenged the Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education over government funding decisions which have seen Adult Education courses slashed and course fees hiked up.

Courses in South Manchester have recently been cut and course fees increased as a result of government funding for adult education courses being cut.

Speaking afterwards John Leech MP said:

"Education for 16 to 19 year olds which lead to qualifications are of course a top priority. However, the government is turning its back on adult education. Adult education courses are very much valued by those who make use of them. They provide many older people with the chance to learn something new, and to have some social interaction at the same time. By drawing resources away from adult education the government is pricing many people out of life long education."

ENDS