SNP MSPs and activsts today attended the EIS march and rally in Glasgow to show their support for protecting Scotland's budget from Westminster cuts ahead of a UK general election. It is widely expected that no matter which UK party wins the forthcoming General Election that there will be a UK budget which will lead to further cuts to Scotland's funding from the London. 

Aileen Campbell, SNP MSP for South of Scotland and member of the Scottish Parliament's education committee, SNP MSP for Glasgow Bob Doris and their colleague Patrick Grady, the SNP's Westminster candidate for the Glasgow North constituency headed a strong SNP presence on the march from Kelvingrove Park to the SECC in support of Scotland's teachers, pupils and parents. SNP members and supporters carried placards during the march and rally demanding 'Teachers Not Trident' and insisting 'No To UK Cuts'.

Aileen Campbell MSP said: "It is important that teachers feel supported at this time. We are all bracing ourselves for UK cuts to Scotland's budget. Scottish Government funding has meant more cash has been spent by Councils on education since 2007. However 2010-11 will see £814million less coming to Scotland because of UK Labour cuts ,and now the British parties are in a bidding war to see who can slash the Scottish budget the most.

"Such savage cuts will have a direct effect on front line services such as education. Our message to parents and teachers at the forthcoming elections is to get as many SNP MP's elected as possible to stand up for Scotland's interests.

Patrick Grady the SNP candidate for the seat of Glasgow North added: "Labour can't be trusted on education in Glasgow. The Labour Council have already closed 20 schools in Glasgow and their London leaders plan more cuts for Scotland.

"Last year Labour have closed three primary schools in Maryhill, and now they are coming back for our community centres.

"Glasgow needs local champions to stand up for our communities and stop Labour's cuts. That is what the SNP team will do in Glasgow, and that's why we won the biggest number of votes last year at them European elections in Glasgow North. Voting SNP at Westminster will show local communities want their schools and community centres saved from Labour's closure programme."

Notes:

1. Increase in education funding by Local Authorities 2008-9 = 5.5%

2. Estimated increase in education funding by Local Authorities 2009-10 :- SNP led councils- 3.5% Lab / Lib Dem led councils- 2.6%

3. Results of the 2009 Euro Elections in Glasgow North can be found at www.patrickgrady.org