Local Conservative MPs vote for secrecy over schools and hospitals at risk of RAAC failure

Conservative MPs including Andrew Griffith and Jeremy Quin are being accused of a ‘concrete cover-up’ after they voted against a Liberal Democrat amendment which would have forced the Government to publish a register of at-risk schools and hospitals across the country.

The Lib Dem amendment to the Levelling Up Bill would have forced the Government to publish a full register of schools and hospitals that are in a state of serious disrepair; whether from RAAC concrete, asbestos or any other construction problem.

At risk buildings would be regularly updated on a three month basis with the latest information.

In August, the Government found themselves engulfed in a RAAC crisis which forced schools to close days before returning from their summer break, including Greenway Juniors in Horsham. Initially they refused to name the schools affected by these closures, but eventually bowed to pressure to come clean. 

Despite this, 301 Conservative MPs including Andrew Griffith and Jeremy Quin voted on Tuesday 17 October against publishing a regular list which would keep everyone informed of progress.

This comes after Rishi Sunak blocked plans to rebuild hospitals that were falling apart and rejected pleas by Department of Education officials for an extra £900 million a year for school funding in the 2021 Spending Review during his tenure as Chancellor. 

John Milne, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Horsham, said:

“It’s shameful that Jeremy Quin and this Conservative Government have once again opted for secrecy rather than being honest about the scale of the problem.

“As Horsham residents we have a right to know when our schools and hospitals are liable to collapse or filled with toxic asbestos. 

“RAAC concrete has been used successfully in buildings by governments across Europe. But unlike the Conservatives, they understand it needs proper care and regular maintenance.

“This government has forgotten how to do the basic management duties that keep a country working.”

Notes

• A full list of MPs and how they voted is available here. The 301 Conservative MPs listed as voting Aye all voted to reject the Lib Dem amendment.