I am writing in response Richard Smith’s letter: Why did Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake vote to have unqualified teachers in schools?
I want our children to be taught by good teachers, get taught a core body of knowledge, and get a healthy meal every day.
The Liberal Democrats are strong supporters of more freedom and autonomy for schools, so voted for the Academies Act in 2010.
There was nothing in the Act that meant academies were no longer required to employ qualified teachers. The requirement was removed by Michael Gove in August 2012 without a vote in Parliament.
Although we work well with the Conservatives, our two parties still have differences of opinion, some strongly held.
In 2015 the Liberal Democrats will go to the electorate with a commitment to support school freedom but underpinned by some basic standards that all parents can expect for their child, including ensuring that all teachers are qualified or seeking qualification.
With regards to the Parliamentary vote on this issue, the amendment setting out the Liberal Democrat position was not selected by the (political neutral) Speaker of the Commons.
It was therefore not possible for me to vote for this particular amendment.
Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington
What do you think? Send your letter to: letters@suttonguardian.co.uk.
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