Lunn: Why are other parties scared by the promotion of integrated education?

Alliance Education spokesperson, Trevor Lunn MLA, has asked why the DUP, UUP and Sinn Fein are scared by the promotion of integrated education. Mr Lunn was speaking after these parties voted against an Alliance amendment that would have given the new education authority a duty to promote integrated education.

The vote took place during the Further Consideration Stage of the Education Bill. Two weeks ago, the DUP blocked a similar proposal.

Trevor Lunn MLA said: “Two weeks ago, a majority of MLAs supported a similar proposal for the promotion of integration education but it was blocked by the DUP, so I am disappointed that the Assembly didn’t support this amendment today.

“I am surprised that Sinn Fein voted against this amendment as they supported a similar proposal at an earlier stage of the bill. The Minister, who voted for my amendment at an earlier stage of the Bill, has stated that the two amendments are almost identical – so why did he oppose it today?

“Several years ago, Peter Robinson said he wanted to end the segregation in our education system, so why doesn’t he support integration education? I am just glad that we had a petition of concern free day at the Assembly.

“It is also clear that the UUP, despite attempting to voice support for integrated and shared education, continue to vote against the promotion of integrated education.

“The question now remains – why are these parties scared by the promotion of integration education?”

ENDS