Caught on Camera
Embattled Education Secretary Gillian Keegan issued a grovelling apology last night over a sweary outburst demanding praise for her handling of the crumbling concrete crisis. Keegan was caught on camera accusing others of "sitting on their a**e" as she claimed to have done a "f***ing good job".
Apology and Backlash
The gaffe-prone Tory politician later apologized for her "choice language", claiming it was a result of frustration with the interviewer rather than her predecessors or local government. PM Rishi Sunak condemned Keegan's comments, forcing her to publicly apologize. Downing Street did not deny that Keegan had been ordered to apologize, and her deputy, Nick Gibb, insisted that the tirade showed the "real Gillian".
School Safety Concerns
In a session in the Commons, Keegan addressed the concrete crisis, noting that action had been taken after three cases of collapse over the summer, including two schools. She emphasized that safety was the priority in dealing with the issue. It was also alleged that PM Rishi Sunak had cut funding for school repairs during his tenure as Chancellor, but he dismissed these claims and defended his record.
Concerns over Other Schools
While 156 schools have been identified as having dangerous levels of lightweight concrete, the Education Secretary stated that many more schools could be at risk. Officials fear that up to 500 additional schools could be affected.
Disruptions at the Start of Term
The start of the term has been met with difficulties for many teachers, parents, and pupils, as they grapple with pop-up classrooms, travel to alternative sites, and a return to remote learning for some. Heads of affected schools have publicly complained that the government's last-minute orders to close risky buildings have disrupted the start of term.
Publication of Affected Schools
A full list of schools confirmed to have the most collapse-prone form of concrete, known as Raac, will finally be published this week. However, heads of affected schools have expressed their frustration with the government's handling of the situation.
Ministerial Meeting and Labour Criticism
The PM chaired a meeting with top ministers and officials to address the Raac crisis. However, critics from the Labour Party claim that ministers have ignored at least 180 warnings on Raac in the Commons since July 2022. Additionally, Labour criticized Gillian Keegan for signing off on a £32 million refurbishment of her department's HQ, despite appearing to suggest that she was unaware of authorizing the project.
Controversy Surrounding Gillian Keegan
Gillian Keegan faced further criticism after it was revealed that she flew to Spain for a holiday while the Raac crisis unfolded. Town Hall chiefs also expressed their discontent after the Education Secretary blamed local authorities for the state of their school buildings and refused a meeting with them.
