Caroline Lucas

Green parliamentary candidates for Brighton have expressed their solidarity with the University of Sussex staff who will take to the picket line this Thursday (18).

The staff will be striking in opposition to the proposed 115 job cuts set out by the Vice Chancellor, Michael Farthing. The strike was called by union UCU after balloting its members.

Speaking ahead of the demostrations, Caroline Lucas, Green Party parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion constituency, said:
"It is shocking that the University of Sussex sees fit to spend over £2.6m a year on just twenty members of their management staff, yet cannot find funding for vital services such as the student advice service and teaching posts. It's right that these proposed cuts - which would see amongst other things the privatisation of the creche and the closure of UniSex - are provoking such outrage.

"I have sent a statement of support to the strikers, and am wholeheartedly behind their decision to take to the picket lines. It is telling that this strike ballot was the highest turn out in the history of the UCU, the on campus staff union. Staff, students and the community together are fighting these cuts with passion - because we know that eduation is too important to our society and to future generations. If I am elected as MP for Brighton Pavilion,I will continue to oppose cuts to higher education, both at the University of Sussex and across Britain."

Ben Duncan, Green Party parliamentary candidate for Brighton Kemptown constituency, who will be attending the picket line on Thursday said:
"Greens believe that cuts will have a devastating effect on students and staff, as well as Britain's economy and our ability to compete internationally. Investment in education and public services will ensure that Britain has the resources to get out - and stay out - of recession.

"Increasing staff-student ratios is the last thing we should be doing in economic downturn, when we need bright and motivated graduates to help rebuild our economy. Universities enable us to lead on ideas, research and innovation. It is universities such as Sussex that ensure Britain stays a world leader in education, training some of the worlds most brilliant minds."

For more information about the Greens view:
www.brightonhovegreens.org