Vikki Slade

Vikki Slade

Liberal Democrat — Mid Dorset and North Poole

Speaking in the House of Commons on 25 November 2024

Debate

Holidays in School Term Time

Contribution

It is not just about the joy of the holiday; the problem is that there is no compassion in the system. I was contacted today by a resident who took their child out of school for two weeks because their grandfather is dying in India, and they have just been fined. They know that their child needs education, and they are passionate about it, but they face the risk that, because the grandfather is dying but has not died, they may get some sort of parenting order if they take their child out again for the funeral—he should go, as part of the extended family. That is ridiculous, so we need to recognise that this is about not just money but compassion.

More from Vikki Slade

Other recent Hansard contributions by the same speaker.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

For Vikki Slade's full parliamentary record including voting history, expenses and all other contributions, see the Vikki Slade report card.