Point of Order

In the House of Commons, Alicia Kearns, the Conservative MP for Rutland and Stamford, raised a point of order regarding the government's decision to impose VAT on independent schools. She expressed severe concerns about the government's failure to formally come before the House to debate this policy, which she argued affects rural economies, military and special educational needs families, as well as both comprehensive and independent schools. Kearns noted that the government had imposed this policy through a written ministerial statement, which she deemed insufficient and purposely prevented the House from debating the issue. She urged the Madam Deputy Speaker to provide guidance on how the House could resolve this matter, which she described as incredibly important for many members. In response, the Madam Deputy Speaker acknowledged Kearns' concerns and stated that she was sure the members on the Treasury Bench had heard them. However, the transcript does not provide any further details on the government's position or the response from the official opposition. The debate that followed likely involved members from various political parties discussing the implications of the government's decision to impose VAT on independent schools. Concerns were likely raised about the impact on rural economies, families with military or special educational needs, and the broader education sector. Members may have argued that the government should have formally presented the policy to the House, allowing for a full debate and scrutiny of the decision. The debate may have also touched on the broader issues of taxation, education policy, and the government's approach to policymaking. Overall, the debate centered around the government's decision to impose VAT on independent schools and the concerns raised by the Conservative MP about the lack of formal parliamentary scrutiny of this policy.