MARK Jenkinson MP has joined forces with other concerned Conservative MPs calling on the Government to defend education funding.
The 28 MPs have branded any possible cuts “indefensible”, demanding even greater investment in the sector to help schools rise to meet the challenges ahead.
The move comes ahead of reports that the Treasury is expected to announce significant cuts to public spending in the Autumn Statement later this week [Thursday November 17th].
It also comes at a time when many schools are already struggling to bounce back from Covid-19, and disadvantaged children may need additional support.
Mark has written separately to headteachers across the constituency to underscore his support.
He said: “I accept that the Government has to make tough decisions and has an obligation to be prudent with taxpayers’ money.
“However, I have made the point loud and clear that making savings must not come at the expense of children’s education, aspirations and overall wellbeing.
“Protecting our children’s education and investing in their futures is not only in their interests – but it is in the shared interests of our country.”
The letter, addressed to the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, acknowledges the need for “fiscal responsibility” but stressed that any cuts should be made according to “priorities” rather than “across the board”.
It adds: “In particular, we believe it would be indefensible to cut education funding.
“On the contrary, we would urge you to invest more in the schools’ budget, particularly given the impact of the pandemic on children and their education.
“It would not be morally right to cut education at a time when so many children, teachers and staff are still working so hard to rectify the damage caused by Covid 19.
“This damage is reflected most sharply in the attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils, which is at its widest in a decade.”
The MPs have also offered to work with the Government to identify savings that could be made elsewhere.
