MP Jess Phillips accuses David Cameron of 'colluding with child abusers' by not making sex education compulsory in schools

Campaigners have argued that compulsory classes could prevent child abuse by enabling victims to seek help

Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley

Labour MP Jess Phillips has accused David Cameron of “colluding with child abusers” by not making sex and relationships education compulsory in all schools.

On Wednesday the government announced that sex and relationship education would not be mandatory in all schools, despite the efforts of campaigners. Currently, academies and faith schools are not required to give the lessons to all pupils as parents can refuse to allow their children to participate.

The MP for Birmingham Yardley tweeted the comments this afternoon. She wrote: “By blocking sex and relationship education David Cameron is colluding with child abusers #keepitsecret #donttalkaboutit.”

Education Minister Nicky Morgan confirmed earlier this week that she had given “careful consideration” to calls for sex and relationship education in all schools, however: “We believe it is not the availability but the quality of PSHE teaching that is the most pressing issue and we have now asked leading head teachers and practitioners to produce an action plan for improving PSHE.

“We have also received requests about updating the existing SRE guidance which we will carefully consider.”

Some campaigners have argued that mandatory education could prevent child abuse by helping victims to speak out.

Ms Phillips recalled in an address to Parliament last week how she had been sexually assaulted whilst a teenager. She said the incident had been “one of many” in her youth and that by the time her teenage years ended she had “come to expect being touched up, having your boobs felt, and your arse felt when you’re walking around.”