News from Sheffield Labour

Nick Clegg challenged to public debate by Labour

Nick Clegg has been challenged to a public debate on the future of a local school.

On Wednesday, Sheffield Lib Dems voted to close Abbeydale Grange School, in the teeth of local opposition.

Mr. Clegg has previously said that parents should be able to run schools without any local authority involvement at all. He has also said he hopes to see private-sector, profit-making companies running schools in the near future. Controversially, he has backed the local Lib Dems in their determination to close the school, despite the impact the closure will have on other schools in the constituency.

Jack Scott, who is hoping to win Mr. Clegg’s Sheffield Hallam seat for Labour, has opposed the school’s closure from the start.

Jack said: “I have written to Mr. Clegg to invite him to participate in a public debate because this is a crucial issue for our community. Having spoken to a large number of affected parents, I know that they are extremely disappointed by Mr. Clegg’s total lack of engagement. Many people do not even know he is our MP and the people who do say he is wrong on closing the school. I have not met anyone who thinks he is doing the right thing by staying as silent as possible.

“Mr. Clegg cannot duck the difficult issues, especially as the Lib Dems run Sheffield City Council at the moment. Parents in Sheffield Hallam deserve better than this. I believe that they have the right to hear from the people who hope to represent them – so I have invited Mr. Clegg to participate in a public meeting with parents, local residents and parliamentary candidates for Sheffield Hallam.

“I hope he accepts the invitation to debate this crucial issue.”

The debate is likely to be held at the school itself. Jack Scott’s campaign will publish details of the event when they are confirmed.

Other news from Sheffield Labour

• Angela Smith MP highlights economic problems faced by Barnsley - 7 February 2012
• Sheffield Lib Dems propose cuts to fuel poverty programme - 1 February 2012
• Sheffield Lib Dems exposed over 'merciless' opportunism on fortnightly collections - 1 February 2012