Workington MP Mark Jenkinson has joined forces with 27 other Conservative MPs to urge the Government to ringfence education funding.
The MPs, in a letter to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, said any possible cuts were indefensible and demanded greater investment in the sector to help schools rise to meet the challenges ahead.
The move comes ahead of reports that the Treasury is expected to announce significant cuts to public spending in the Autumn Statement tomorrow and at a time when many schools are already struggling to bounce back from COVID-19, and disadvantaged children may need additional support.
Mr Jenkinson said he had written separately to headteachers across the constituency to underscore his support.
He said: “I accept that the Government has to make tough decisions and has an obligation to be prudent with taxpayers’ money.
“However, I have made the point loud and clear that making savings must not come at the expense of children’s education, aspirations and overall wellbeing.
“Protecting our children’s education and investing in their futures is not only in their interests – but it is in the shared interests of our country.”
The letter acknowledged the need for fiscal responsibility, but stressed that any cuts should be made according to priorities rather than across the board.
It added: “In particular, we believe it would be indefensible to cut education funding.
“On the contrary, we would urge you to invest more in the schools’ budget, particularly given the impact of the pandemic on children and their education.
“It would not be morally right to cut education at a time when so many children, teachers and staff are still working so hard to rectify the damage caused by COVID-19.
“This damage is reflected most sharply in the attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils, which is at its widest in a decade. Many schools and colleges have already been forced to examine their staffing levels and non-core activities.
“We understand that this pressure amounts to approximately £2 billion a year across the sector. If you would like examples of savings elsewhere we believe could be made to allow this investment, we would be happy to work with you to find them.”
Other MPs who have signed the letter include Nadine Dorries, Esther McVey and Kit Malthouse.
