Lib Dems reveal their first red line for any coalition
Nick Clegg has said that they will not make a deal with any party after May 7 if they are not guaranteed that their pledge of “cradle to college” education investment.
The party says that any deal will come with the quid pro quo of increased spending on nurseries, schools and colleges. This specific “red line” refers to a guarantee that “per pupil” spending, from nursery to the age of 19, is protected in real terms to the end of the parliament.
Funding is currently protected for children aged between five and 16 but the Liberal Democrats want to ring fence education spending for two to 19-year-olds.
According to the Lib Dems this is the equivalent to £5.2bn more funding than the Conservatives and £2.5bn more than Labour.
Deputy Prime Minister said: “I can confirm a Liberal Democrat red line – a pre-condition for Government – is increasing spending on education.
“The Liberal Democrats will not allow our children and grandchildren to pay the price of this generation’s mistakes.
“We believe above all else in spreading opportunity, in tearing down the barriers that stop people from reaching their potential. Nothing is more crucial to that than education.
“So the next Government must increase spending on nurseries, schools and colleges.
“That means education spending must rise with both prices and pupil numbers.