We owe it to our children to give them the very best start in life. That means decent schools and good teaching.
The future of this country depends on the next generation, making our children Britain’s greatest resource.
So it is unforgivable for the Tories to let school buildings crumble and pay teachers so badly.
Some teaching assistants are quitting because they can make more money as supermarket shelf stackers.
And it is unacceptable that in some schools lighting must be turned off and heating turned down just to make ends meet as budgets are squeezed.
Children were already short-changed during the pandemic - forced to stay at home when they should have been in class.
Teachers did their best to keep learning going in difficult conditions, and eagerly got children back to their socially distanced desks when restrictions allowed.
Now those same dedicated teachers are at the end of their tether and balloting over strike action in the New Year because of an insulting pay offer less than half the inflation rate.
And even that paltry sum will have to come out of school funds meaning head teachers must make more savings in budgets
already cut to the bone.
Meanwhile the Tories are more focused on squabbling amongst themselves over who should lead them than sorting out the mess this country is in.
That they even contemplate Boris Johnson as the answer shows just how out of touch with real life they are.
Thank you, Deborah
Somewhere up in heaven Bowelbabe Deborah James will be smiling her beautiful smile at the latest breakthrough from Cancer Research UK.
Scientists funded by the charity - which received cash raised by Deborah - have discovered a way to stop late-stage bowel cancer growing, potentially saving many.
Her Herculean efforts raised £7million for research.
And it will be her enduring legacy if those in similar circumstances can now look forward to a better tomorrow.
