Kemi Badenoch has branded Labour’s education reforms as “the worst of socialism” in a fiery clash in the House of Commons.
At Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, the Tory leader attacked Sir ‘s plans to overhaul the way academies operate.
She described the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill as “the worst of socialism” and asked: “Isn’t it deprived children in England who will pay the price?”
The Prime Minister dismissed the criticism and said Labour is focused on “driving standards up”.
Kemi Badenoch slammed Labour’s education reforms (Image: Getty)
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Academies, which are independent of local authorities, currently have the freedom to set their own pay and conditions for staff. Some exceed the national pay scales for teachers.
However, the new Bill would ensure all teachers are part of the same core pay and conditions framework, whether they work in a local authority-run school or an academy.
Sir Keir hit back against Mrs Badenoch’s claims by insisting that academies are increasing standards.
He said the Tory leader had a “nerve” to speak about educating children with special needs.
The Prime Minister said schools for children with special needs faced an “appalling situation” under the Conservative government.