Jim Shannon

First of all, I thank the Backbench Business Committee for giving me the opportunity to speak on this issue, and I thank all Members for their contributions. I thank the hon. Member for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire (Ian Sollom) for his contribution; the Liberal Democrat policy on this issue is quite clear, as I knew before the debate—the Conservative policy is also quite clear. The debate focused on faith-based schools, and it is very important that we consider them in this sector, as I believe they are feeling the pain more than most. The solution that has been put forward should be looked at and taken up, if at all possible. The hon. Gentleman said that 100 independent schools closed in the last year and as many as 26 could close in the year to come, and his last remark asked the Government to look seriously at the financial burdens on schools. The hon. Member for Bridgwater (Sir Ashley Fox), in an intervention, was very clear that he perceived this—I believe it to be the case—to be an attack on education, and I think he referred to choice of education. Again, whenever we have voted specifically on independent schools, I have been very clear where my vote would lie. I ally myself with the hon. Gentleman and what the Conservative party has put forward. I thank the shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Beaconsfield (Joy Morrissey), for her passionate contribution; she reaffirmed today what she has said in the Chamber before. She has heard from many parents who, on behalf of their children, want the ability to choose what school they should attend. In my earlier comments, I referred to FORB issues, and I believe what we see today in the United Kingdom is unfortunately an attack on those with faith, whether they are Christians, Muslims or Jews—that is an issue. The hon. Lady also reminded us not to forget the sacrifice that parents make for their children, and she urged us to reverse this policy. I also thank the Minister for clearly outlining the Government’s commitment to education; she outlined the financial budget and the Government’s focus, as well as the massive SEND issues in both England and Northern Ireland. I know the Minister told me that the Government have considered VAT registration. However, if the funding benchmark is set at £7,690 per pupil, and if all the independent schools were to close, all their pupils would have to go into mainstream schools, which just could not cope. The figures we have presented today indicate that some 270 schools would qualify, and 54,000 pupils would benefit. The revenue loss would be reduced from £1.5 billion to £32 million. I think that those figures indicate an opportunity to review this. I say that respectfully to the Minister, as it is never my form to attack anyone or run them down—that is just not how I do things. I always try to put forward a solution, and I think we have introduced one today for independent faith schools. I thank all Members and the Minister for their contributions. I also thank Hansard for all the writing they do—I know we all keep them busy. Question put and agreed to. Resolved, That this House has considered the impact of VAT on independent faith schools.