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As it happenedended1490187675

PMQs live: Jeremy Corbyn grills Theresa May over changes to schools funding

Labour leader accuses Prime Minister of breaking another manifesto pledge

Benjamin Kentish
Wednesday 22 March 2017 12:51 GMT
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Jeremy Corbyn confronts Theresa May about breaking manifesto pledge over education funding

Theresa May is facing Jeremy Corbyn in the week she announced she would trigger Article 50 - and set the ball rolling on Brexit - on 29 March.

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Last weekend's headlines were dominated by fresh Labour infighting, as Tom Watson attacked the Unite union and campaigning group Momentum over claims of "entryism".

Len McCluskey accuses Tom Watson of 'skullduggery, smears and plots'

Tensions erupt at Labour PLP meeting over briefing against Tom Watson

The SNP, meanwhile, are likely to focus on Nicola Sturgeon's plans to push for a second Scottish independence referendum - an idea rejected by Theresa May. The Scottish Parliament will vote on the proposal later on Wednesday.

Theresa May blocks second Scottish independence referendum

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May kicks off PMQs by paying tribute to Martin McGuinness, recognising his IRA past but also the role he played in helping to bring peace to Northern Ireland.

Kristin Hugo22 March 2017 12:03
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At #PMQs , Countdown's Rachel Riley is in the peers gallery, seemingly the guest of SNP BBC weather map conspiracist Paul Monaghan.

tompeck100022 March 2017 12:04
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Corbyn is up now, so don't expect anything else interesting to happen.

tompeck100022 March 2017 12:05
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Jeremy Corbyn also pays tribute to Martin McGuinness, saying he played an "immeasurable" role in bringing peace to Northern Ireland.

Kristin Hugo22 March 2017 12:05
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The Labour leader uses his first question to ask about cuts to school funding. Theresa May says the Conservatives have a "fine record" of investing in schools. The plans to change the funding formula are merely part of a consultation, she says.

Kristin Hugo22 March 2017 12:07
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Corbyn says Government changes will mean the loss of two teachers across every primary schools and six across each secondary school. 

Theresa May says there are 1.8 million more children in good or outstanding schools "as a result of the policies of this Government". 

Kristin Hugo22 March 2017 12:08
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tompeck100022 March 2017 12:08
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Corbyn quotes "Eileen", a teacher, who has written to him about lack of funding for schools. May responds that it is the quality of education that matters and "that is what this Government is about - about ensuring you get on on the basis of merit, not privilege. and that every child has the opportunity of a good school place".

No mention of Brexit from the Labour leader so far... 

Kristin Hugo22 March 2017 12:10
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Still on the issue of schools funding, May says the current funding formula is "not fair" and that Labour failed to address it.

"I was calling for a new formula over 15 years ago when I was the Shadow Education Secretary", the Prime Minister says.

Kristin Hugo22 March 2017 12:14
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The SNP's Paul Monaghan now deep in conversation with Countdown's Rachel Riley. What a treat for her... http://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7hZAlmW0AAqM3j.jpg

tompeck100022 March 2017 12:15

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