Today I met with teachers and lecturers from Brighton Pavilion who were taking part in a mass lobby of Parliament.

Teachers are being asked to significantly increase their pension contributions - some by as much as 50% - as a way to help finance Government spending cuts, and I am fighting hard on their behalf to oppose the planned changes.

As one teacher pointed out today, it is unfair to move the goalposts in a race to the bottom when it comes to public sector pensions. Teachers are also facing an effective pay cut because of the pay freeze combined with rising inflation.

Our schools needs good teachers and I am concerned that the Government's plans will have a knock on effect across our education system.