Commenting on the Queen’s Speech, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Today the government has announced another set of plans that fail to tackle the real problems Britain faces.
“Ministers are keen to sell today’s plans as a wide-ranging set of social reforms, but what the proposals lack is a real plan to rebuild Britain in the wake of unprecedented cuts to public spending.
‘Much of today’s Speech looks like it’s been cut and pasted from previous years – from laughable references to the Northern Powerhouse to plans for a so-called seven-day NHS, yet without any proposals on how a revamped health service is to be financed.
“Similarly plans to create private universities are yet another example of ministers’ pursuit of profit over excellence in our public services.
“At a time when money is tight, the government wants to commit billions on a replacement for Trident that will never be used, while the NHS, education, local government and the police are cut over and over again.”
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Alan Weaver T: 0207 121 5555 M: 07939 143310 E: a.weaver@unison.co.uk