Jonathan Hulley, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Twickenham, has warned that Labour’s plan to impose VAT at 20% on independent school fees would damage families, schools and the wider local community.
This matters in Twickenham because Munira Wilson and the Liberal Democrats are asking residents to vote for them in order to change the Government. But the practical effect of a vote for the Liberal Democrats is to help put Labour into Downing Street, where Keir Starmer would be able to impose Labour’s education tax raid.
Writing in this week’s Twickenham Tribune, Jonathan says Labour’s proposal was also “Jeremy Corbyn’s flagship policy”, showing how little Labour has changed under Sir Keir Starmer.
Jonathan was educated at state schools, but recognises the important role independent schools play locally. They educate children, employ staff, support local businesses and often make their facilities available to the wider community.
He also warns that this policy would not only hit wealthy families. Many parents already make real sacrifices to pay school fees. A 20% tax rise could force them to cut back on local spending or move children into the state sector, putting further pressure on local schools.
As Jonathan writes, “education is a public good” and should not be treated as a luxury product to be taxed. Parents should be free to choose the education that is right for their children, without being punished by the tax system.
Munira Wilson presents herself as a moderate voice on education, but a vote for the Liberal Democrats risks delivering a Labour Government committed to taxing school fees, restricting parental choice and increasing pressure on local schools.
Twickenham families deserve better than a Labour tax raid backed into power by the Liberal Democrats.
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