UK Department for Education reports, government statistics, or official Labour Party announcements

Emily Thornberry Defends Labour's VAT on Private Schools, Larger Classes Expected

Jun 9, 2024, 10:53 AM

Emily Thornberry of the Labour Party has defended the party's plan to impose VAT on private schools, despite concerns that it could lead to overcrowding in state schools. Thornberry stated that if larger class sizes are necessary in the short term, they will be implemented. She argued that the private sector is exaggerating claims about the impact on state schools. This policy has faced criticism for potentially lowering education standards and being inconsistent with Labour's previous stance on overcrowded schools. Critics argue that the policy is an ideological attack on private schools and could negatively impact state school students.