EDM launched to defend London’s 171 school building projects
An Early Day Motion (EDM) has been tabled in Parliament to oppose axing essential Building Schools for the Future (BSF) projects across London as the campaign against the cuts gathers momentum.
Chuka Umunna, Member of Parliament for Streatham, tabled the EDM which condemns the government’s decision to cancel 171 BSF projects across London and notes the “dashed hopes and efforts of the pupils, parents, teachers and governors of these schools”.
The EDM has been tabled ahead of a mass lobby of Parliament against the cuts by teachers, governors and pupils on Monday organised by teaching union NASUWT.
It also raises the continuing uncertainty facing eleven ‘sample’ schools across London where building projects are under review. The government has not yet clarified when a final decision will be made on these projects.
In Mr Umunna’s Streatham constituency, two BSF projects at Bishop Thomas Grant and La Retraite schools have been cancelled, and a third ‘sample’ project at Dunraven School has been put on hold pending a review.
The EDM has already been signed by 21 MPs.
David Boyle, Principal of Dunraven School, commented:
“The condition of many of the school buildings is poor and has deteriorated still further recently, as much-needed work has been postponed with the promise of the BSF funding.
“The BSF programme of rebuilding and refurbishment offers us real value for money which could not be achieved through simply ‘patching’ existing buildings. If the programme is postponed, we will have to find £50,000 for essential repairs in the Autumn term alone to keep the buildings sound and safe.
“The students and staff deserve a school building that will enhance their experience of teaching and learning and which will enable the school to go from strength to strength in the future.”
Mr Umunna said: “Students, governors, parents and teachers across London were bitterly disappointed by the government’s decision to cut school buildings.
“I have tabled this EDM to reflect this depth of feeling and put pressure on the coalition for answers on projects which remain under review.”
In full, the EDM reads:
That this house condemns the Government’s decision to cancel the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme for 171 secondary schools in Greater London; notes that this dashes the hopes and efforts of the pupils, parents, teachers and governors of those schools; condemns the ongoing uncertainty facing eleven London ‘sample schools’ where the status of planned building work remains under review, regrets the negative effect that the government’s decision will have on growth and jobs in London’s construction industry; further notes that thousands of London school pupils and teachers have benefited from BSF projects that have already been completed; asserts that a modern, purpose-built and comfortable learning environment is essential to the education of children in London and elsewhere; and in the strongest possible terms urges the government to reconsider its decision and proceed with the projects previously planned.
