Phillipson Defends VAT on Private School Fees and Supports Trump’s Ukraine Stance

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has reaffirmed the Government’s decision to apply VAT on private school fees, dismissing concerns that it will cause widespread closures. Speaking on Camilla Tominey Today on GB News, Phillipson emphasized that private schools must adapt to market forces, as closures are not a new phenomenon.

“Private schools, as businesses, will face choices as to how they manage their money. Parents also have choices as to how they spend theirs,” Phillipson said. She acknowledged that falling demand could lead to some closures, but attributed this to broader demographic trends, including lower birth rates, rather than VAT alone.

When asked about the potential impact on the sector, she noted that private schools have closed “in significant numbers” for many years, reinforcing that the policy is not unprecedented. Phillipson remained resolute, stating, “The policy stands, and I see no reason to move away from it.”

The VAT policy has drawn criticism from parents and school administrators who fear rising costs will force more closures. However, Phillipson stressed that the government is focused on fairness in education and that private institutions must navigate financial challenges like any other business.

Support for Trump’s Ukraine Approach

Shifting to foreign policy, Phillipson also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, expressing support for former US President Donald Trump’s calls for diplomatic negotiations to end the conflict. She urged the UK government to take a more active role in peace efforts.

“We believe the British government should step up and play a bigger role,” Phillipson said, commending Trump’s initiative to bring warring parties to the negotiating table. She highlighted the economic repercussions of the conflict, including rising energy costs and broader instability, as key reasons for seeking a swift resolution.

Phillipson also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing defence spending, suggesting that the target of 2.5% of GDP could be reached by 2028, earlier than the previously proposed 2030 timeline.

As debates over both private education funding and the UK’s role in global diplomacy continue, Phillipson’s firm stance on these issues ensures they will remain focal points in the coming months.