Hastings schoolchildren to get free priority access to the Bayeux Tapestry
The Prime Minister says he'll raise the issue with British Museum Chairman George Osborne
Schoolchildren in Hastings are to get free priority access to the Bayeux Tapestry when it goes on display at the British Museum.
It follows a campaign led by Helena Dollimore, the Labour and Co-operative MP for Hastings, Rye and the villages, for young people in the area to see the tapestry for themselves.
The exhibition opens at the British Museum tonight, marking the tapestry's return to the UK for the first time in almost 1,000 years.
It depicts the Battle of Hastings, giving the town its place in national history.
What the Prime Minister said
Andy Burnham said he would raise the matter with British Museum Chairman George Osborne, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, at the opening this evening.
Responding to a question from the MP at Prime Minister's Questions, he said he would "relay that message to the former Chancellor of the Exchequer tonight".
Andy Burnham said: "We want the maximum number of kids to have access to stand in front of that tapestry while it's here in the UK. It's a major moment in our island's history and it's such a powerful one; they learn about it in school, they should be able to stand in front of it."
He added: "Can I just credit her for the amazing campaign that she has run on this issue. I know that school children from her own constituency will be there, but I can hear in her voice she wants it for every child in this country and let's see what we can do."
Why the campaign matters
Across Hastings, Rye and the villages, more than 60% of young people leave school without a grade C or above in English and Maths GCSE.
The Sutton Trust has ranked the town in the bottom 10 places nationally for social mobility, and life expectancy in the area is below the national average.
Helena Dollimore said: "Everyone is so excited about the return of the Bayeux Tapestry coming back to our shores for the first time in almost 1,000 years, and testament to this Labour government's work to strengthen our relations with European neighbours.
"Hastings has often been at the centre of historical events, but we have not felt the benefits. We rank in the bottom 10 places nationally for social mobility.
"Thanks to my campaign, the young people I represent will get free priority access to the exhibition and will not be priced out by the cost of a ticket. Does the Prime Minister agree that this is great news and that the British Museum must do all it can to ensure as many people as possible from my area can see the exhibition?"
The campaign has been backed by broadcaster and 1066 Country resident David Dimbleby and the historian Dan Snow, who co-signed the MP's letter to George Osborne.
Schoolchildren from Hastings and from France will join King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prime Minister Andy Burnham and French President Emmanuel Macron at the official unveiling tonight.