Inflation soared to 3% in December according to the ONS today, with economists pointing to Labour’s 20% VAT raid on private schools as a driving factor – fees have spiked by nearly 13% since the tax came into force. Tice was out today slamming the figures as “proof Labour lied” about the the tax raid, as more students – especially SNED ones – are forced into the state sector. You’d think Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson would be all over the fallout. But no…
A Parliamentary debate on the private schools tax with the Treasury is being held on 3 March after a petition against the policy reached over 100,000 signatures. But Phillipson won’t be there. Education minister Stephen Morgan insists it’s because her diary is “heavily pressured” and a Treasury minister will be sent instead. That’s despite managing to hold 33 meetings with trade unions between ministers in her first three months in office alone. An education secretary is judged by the company she keeps…
Two days after the debate busy Bridget has managed to fit in a chat at an International Women’s Day event with former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard to discuss “women’s leadership and gender equality.” Phillipson should get a lesson in priorities…
Sarah Pochin at Reform Scotland’s manifesto launch event: “I really wanted to come on in a Reform tartan burka, but apparently I wasn’t allowed… One day let’s do one of these events not live-streamed. We’ll do all the naughty stuff…”