A Labour spokesperson, commenting on the Tories’ response to Labour’s education spending announcement said:

“The Tory plans amount to a real terms cut to the £39.5bn schools budget.

“Labour has committed to protecting the overall education budget and ensuring it rises with inflation. That means protecting the entire budget of £58bn.

“This is because Labour understands the value of the early years and post-16 education. Under the Tories, these areas face cuts.

“Labour’s Zero Based Review has also identified savings in the schools budget and the wider education department which will also mean additional money for the frontline.”