Schools secretary Ed Balls announced an investigation in England and Wales into "racism" in Schools at the recent Labour conference in Brighton. He has personally stated that he does not want members of the rival British National Party (BNP) to be allowed to work as teachers. Similar calls were rejected this week in Scotland.

Regarding the possibility of a similar review in Scotland (which is the preserve of the Scottish Parliament), a Scottish government spokesman said: “Teachers must adhere to the General Teaching Council for Scotland’s Code of Professionalism and Conduct, which states that teachers must not be prejudiced by views about a pupil’s lifestyle, culture, disability, beliefs, colour, gender, language, sexuality or age. Membership of a specific political party in itself is not a breach of the Code.”

The Scottish government take the view that  the behaviour of a teacher is the key to any possible action not his/her alleged views or party membership. As GTC Scotland Chief Executive Anthony Finn said: “We are content that our Code of Professionalism and Conduct offers a robust and fair measure by which to ensure that teachers registered in Scotland are fit to teach in our Schools.”


Solidarity General Secretary Patrick Harrington welcomed the Scottish announcement saying "Commonsense has prevailed in Scotland. Rules are in place to ensure that all pupils are treated with respect and professionalism. There is no reason to believe that English and Welsh teachers are any less professional or the GTC there any less capable of dealing with unprofessional behaviour. It would certainly seem odd if  we arrived at a position where BNP members could teach in Scotland but not in England and Wales!".

He added:- "We believe that Mr. Balls is motivated more by political spite (against a rival party) than a concern for the education of our children. He stated his views  in reaction to BNP electoral advances (largely in traditionally Labour areas)".

Pat Harrington continued:- "It is terrible indictment that those who impact upon our working lives (such as the schools secretary) allow their political prejudices and rivalry to affect their judgement. Hopefully Ed Balls will take note of this announcement and drop any plans to ban citizens from becoming teachers because of a party membership. We are conducting our own reasearch which thus far indicates that Party affiliation has not caused problems in schools".