Schools still facing billions of cuts under Govt plans - Lib Dems

The Liberal Democrats have criticised the government for claiming it will deliver fair funding for schools in today's Queen's Speech, despite failing to announce any additional funding.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary Layla Moran commented:

“It is incredulous that the government have claimed they will deliver fair funding for every school in today’s Queen’s Speech.

"The reality is that pupils and teachers will still bear the brunt of billions of pounds of cuts under Conservative plans.
 
“We all know that schools have said they will have to take drastic measures in coming years, like reducing numbers of staff and cutting back teaching hours in order to make ends meet.

"It beggars belief that the government can claim they want to give every child a world-class education, while at the same time cutting the funding needed to achieve this."

On grammar schools, Layla Moran added:

"It is also deeply concerning that the government have yet to rule out their divisive plans to expand grammar schools.

"We should be investing to ensure a high-quality education for every pupil, not pursuing these pet projects that disproportionately benefit the better-off.

"Selection is rejection and we must ensure every child is given a chance to succeed."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Today's Queen's Speech pledged to deliver fairer funding for schools, but failed to announce any specific additional funding.

The background briefing on the Queen’s speech says that: “We want every child to go to a good or outstanding school. We will look at all options and work with Parliament to bring forward proposals that can command a majority”