Labour MP slammed for 'vile and deeply ignorant' comments on Glasgow schools
Labour MP Blair McDougall has been roundly criticised for his comments on Glasgow’s schools
A Labour MP has been criticised for “vile” and “deeply ignorant” comments about Glasgow schools.
Blair McDougall appealed to constituents in his affluent East Renfrewshire constituency to sign his “Hands off East Ren" petition.
It calls for the Scottish Government not to merge the local authority with Glasgow in proposed public sector reforms.
On Facebook, the Minister for Reindustrialisation posted: “One of the things that makes East Ren so special is that we have the highest performing schools in Scotland, confirmed again and again in glowing inspector's reports.
“The SNP's proposal to abolish East Ren would see control of our schools transferred to failing Glasgow City Council.
“Protect our kid’s [SIC] education from becoming part of the crisis next door.”
Local SNP councillor Mhairi Hunter described the comments as “vile and deeply ignorant”.
“Glasgow has outstanding teachers,” the councillor added.
Councillor Hunter went on to point out that Glasgow has significantly higher rates of child poverty than East Renfrewshire, with city schools dealing with a raft of poverty-related issues unfamiliar to their affluent neighbours.
For decades, Glasgow lost middle class pupils to East Renfrewshire and East Dunbartonshire as families moved out of the city when children reached school age.
However, figures show that trend reversing in recent years as attainment - both academic and extracurricular - has increased in Glasgow.
A spokeswoman for the council said: “Glasgow’s teachers and school staff are dedicated to helping children and young people achieve their full potential.
“Attainment and achievement are at an all time high, while positive school leaver destination figures show more young people than ever progressing into further and higher education, training or employment.”
Glasgow contains the largest number of Scotland's 20 per cent most deprived postcodes: 339, compared with 153 in North Lanarkshire and 97 in Fife.
A recent Scottish Government inspection document reports that 56 per cent of children and young people in Glasgow's primary and secondary schools live in the most deprived areas.
The council spokeswoman added: “The city has also continued to narrow the attainment gap, helping ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to succeed.
“Combined with the excellent inspection reports achieved by our schools and nurseries in recent years - it’s no wonder that more families are choosing their local schools.”
The SNP declined to comment. The Scottish Government was approached for comment.
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