Lib Dems table motion to dock Keegan’s pay until schools reopen

EMBARGO: Immediate Release 

The Liberal Democrats have called upon the Prime Minister to dock the Ministerial pay of the Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, until schools affected by RAAC in England fully reopen. 

The crisis has seen more than 150 schools fully or partially close - while others face potentially being affected. Some schools face weeks before alternative provisions will be put in place. 

The Education Secretary has faced significant criticism for her handling of the crisis - including telling education leaders to “get off their backsides” and claiming “everyone else has sat on their arses”. 

The Liberal Democrats have tabled a motion in Parliament which would see the Education Secretary’s pay docked, until such time as the schools are fully reopened. 

Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Munira Wilson MP commented: 

“Parents whose children now face weeks of disruption will be appalled by the Education Secretary’s handling of this crisis. 

“Gillian Keegan has failed to take responsibility and blamed others for the current situation - it’s only right that her pay is docked until all schools affected by RAAC return to full operation. 

“The Conservative Government has not treated this situation as the national emergency it is, and it’s parents, pupils and teachers who are paying the price.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

The Early Day Motion as tabled is as follows: 

Education Secretary’s handling of the Raac crisis

That this House censures the Right honourable Member for Chichester for her failures in handling the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) crisis in schools, which has resulted in mitigation measures taking place in 156 schools, including many that have fully or partially closed; and believes that her Ministerial salary should be removed until all schools affected by RAAC are open to all pupils.