CONSERVATIVES FIGHT FOR SOMERSET SCHOOLS (08/07/03)

Today, a group of Conservatives attended a meeting at the Department for Education and Skills to fight for better funding for Somerset’s schools. Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP for Bridgwater, David Heathcoat-Amory, MP for Wells and Christopher Wolverson, Leader of the Opposition on Somerset County Council, were all present at the meeting.

Ian Liddell-Grainger MP said, ‘This was quite a bizarre position to be put in. Conservative MPs had to step in to save Liberal Democrat education policy in Somerset. It must be extremely embarrassing for the Liberal Democrats to admit they cannot educate Somerset’s children without help. To accept help from Conservative MPs must be the ultimate slap in the face.

’Conservative MPs will be speaking urgently with the Secretary of State for Education, Charles Clarke. Conservatives will ensure this matter is sorted.’

Christopher Wolverson commented, ‘Whilst I welcome the meeting, it was really at the wrong level. It is about time the Liberal Democrat administration had detailed discussions with the Department for Education and Skills, to sort out the totally inadequate funding that our Somerset schools have been receiving over recent years.

‘There were more Conservatives than Liberal Democrats at the meeting.This shows just how important we consider education to be.The Leader of the Council did not turn up.I just hope that this meeting was not too little too late.’