Over the last couple of weeks there’s been a few signs in Parliament that Wave 6 of the Building Schools for the Future programme is seriously under threat. Wave 6 is those schools which had been given the green light to be refurbished or rebuilt later this year.
On Wednesday we had a debate in Parliament to discuss the BSF programme in Liverpool. All five of Liverpool’s Members of Parliament were present defending the plans of the schools in our constituencies. There are 26 Liverpool schools in Wave 6, with a promised investment of £350million. The School’s Minister, Nick Gibb’s response was less than encouraging:
“we cannot yet confirm the future of individual projects. I am afraid that I cannot offer him (Stephen Twigg MP) or any other hon. Member present today any further reassurance, but I would be happy to keep in touch with all those who have taken part in the debate.”
Yesterday I had a meeting at Childwall Sports College with the six schools due to be rebuilt in Wavertree. I was joined by many Heads and Chair of Governors and Ed Miliband came to the meeting too, to hear first hand about our local experience. 
I didn’t need any convincing that these schools must be rebuilt; the discussion we had further cemented my position, adding many more reasons why this programme is so necesary. Not only for the new school buildings that our students, parents, teachers and community deserves, but also because of the wider positive impact for local jobs in the construction sector, apprenticeships and for the provision of extra services like sport and health for local people.
Leaked news today suggests that my greatest fears will be realised and Michael Gove is set to announce the programme’s cancellation next week.
I, along with all my Labour colleagues, will be doing all we can to fight the decision and tell this short sighted Con-Dem Coalition how wrong they are.
