Mr Raine said the NUT would now work closely with the Greenwood Dale Foundation Trust to keep jobs secure.

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But the NUT says Mr Hampson is damaging efforts to persuade parents not to take their children out of school in term-time.

BBC: Head holidays in school time

Distraught NUT colleagues described Mr Sinnott as "the most compassionate of men".

BBC: Teacher union leader Sinnott dies

For Mr. Chesney, a sports nut who hosts many top athletes backstage, stadium concerts help sustain a big-league aura.

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Mr Sinnott had been a member of the NUT since 1974.

BBC: Teacher union leader Sinnott dies

Christine Blower, the NUT's general secretary, said Mr Gove could soon face his "poll tax moment".

BBC: Teachers' union 'no confidence' vote against Gove

"It's true that some people think I'm crazy, but I don't care, " Mr. Thongbai said, pounding a bright-red mixture of betel nut and tobacco to chew on later.

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Mr Matheson described the executive's trials in absence as a "sledgehammer to crack a nut", suggesting ministers should consider what further sanctions could be imposed to provide a "sufficient deterrent" against an accused absconding.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Scotland | Absent trials move is ruled out