A major teachers’ union is set to debate a motion calling for organised resistance against a potential Reform UK government, as its general secretary launched a fierce attack on Nigel Farage ahead of the organisation’s annual conference.
Daniel Kebede, head of the National Education Union (NEU), branded the Reform leader a “Toytown Trump” and warned he would represent “a disaster for Britain” if he entered Downing Street.
“We have a multi-millionaire dressed in tweed masquerading as a man of the people,” Mr Kebede stated. “The reality is he would cut our schools to the bone along with the NHS and other public services. This Toytown Trump is not fit for No 10.”
Delegates attending the NEU’s annual conference, which commences on Monday, will consider a motion urging the trade union movement to “throw its full weight behind stopping a Reform UK government.” The proposal additionally calls for educators to compile and distribute anti-racist teaching resources and support school and community-led anti-deportation initiatives.
Further debates will address ending proscription of Palestine Action and backing teachers wishing to visit migrant facilities in northern France.
Mr Farage, who enjoys a nine-point advantage in recent polling, responded by accusing Mr Kebede of attempting to indoctrinate pupils. “The NEU should focus on the day job of teaching instead of trying to indoctrinate children,” he stated. “Daniel Kebede is an open Marxist and shouldn’t be anywhere near our education system.”
The Reform leader pledged to eliminate “politicised classrooms” if he assumes office, promising to introduce a “patriotic curriculum” that prevents teaching unions from talking down the country.
Reform officials have documented mounting instances of left-wing educators characterising party supporters as “fascists” in classrooms nationwide. Last year, the party demanded an investigation after discovering staff at the Orion academy group in south London used an image of deputy leader Richard Tice in teaching materials illustrating “extremism”—defined as activities rejecting British values.
The materials positioned Reform adjacent to the BNP and Nazis on the “fascism” end of a political spectrum illustration shown to Year 10 pupils.
Separately, Leeds council workers were recently offered counselling in a “safe space” to manage stress surrounding a Farage visit. The authority’s human resources head acknowledged such events “impact on colleagues,” prompting Mr Farage to call them “pathetic, weak people who don’t understand democracy.”
The NEU is currently balloting members on potential strike action over pay, workload and school funding. Green Party leader Zack Polanski is scheduled to address Monday afternoon’s conference session.
