MP questions Government on content of relationship education lessons

Following continued resistance to the updated relationships and sex education curriculum, the Government was asked to make a statement.

• Watch Parliament TV: urgent question/statement on relationship education lessons in schools
• Transcripts of proceedings in the House of Commons Chamber are available in Hansard online three hours after they happen.

Nick Gibb, the Minister of State for School Standards told MPs:

"The Department of Education has been working on the ground with Birmingham City Council, Parkfield School, parents and other interested parties to convey the facts of the policy and dispel myths to support a resolution to the protests in that school and nearby Anderton Park.

"Nationally, we've worked with the National Association of Headteachers to understand where there might be parent concerns in other parts of the country, and have offered support.

"We will continue these efforts to support the introduction of the new subjects which we strongly believe are hugely important for children growing up in modern Britain."

Emma Hardy responded to the statement saying:

"Passing the 2010 Equality Act was rightly a proud moment for our country, but these rights only remain for as long as we fight to keep them. Respect and equality are the truth British values, and there is no reason to treat sexuality any differently from the way we discuss any other part of the Equality Act or families that may have a difference in age or even a disability.

"The misinformation is vast and in danger of spreading, and with respect to the Minister, whatever efforts the department have been making to counter the misinformation have clearly not worked."

Image: PC

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