Tristram Hunt MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, commenting on the expected Liberal Democrat announcement that sex education will be made compulsory in all state schools, said:

“Labour has long called for the compulsory introduction of age appropriate sex and relationship education in all state schools.

“The Liberal Democrats have had four years to deliver this policy. Instead, Nick Clegg has signed up to a raft of damaging measures, including allowing unqualified teachers into our classrooms on a permanent basis.”

Seema Malhotra MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls, said:

“Time and again the Lib Dems say one thing and do another. 

“If Lib Dem MPs had backed Labour’s legislative amendments, this would already be a reality for our young people. We have campaigned for this for years and they have repeatedly voted against it.

“Violence in young relationships is a huge issue, as is preventing violence in future relationships. Only through ideas like compulsory sex and relationship education can we tackle the root causes of domestic abuse and give young people the tools and support they need to make informed decisions about their own lives.

“It is welcome that the Lib Dems have finally caught on to this agenda but they have had four years in government to take some action on this and have failed.”

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