Political tit-for-tat over Middlesbrough school closures
Politicians have been commenting on the fact that some schools in Middlesbrough closed early today, as the funeral of Theo Rae, who died in last month's A66 crash, takes place
Politicians have been commenting on the fact that some schools in Middlesbrough closed early today, as the funeral of Theo Rae, who died in last month's A66 crash, takes place.
Kemi Badenoch said it was “obscene” that more schools will again close for the funeral of one of the five young men killed in the A66 crash.
Cleveland Police warned of potential traffic disruption on Monday afternoon as the funeral cortege for Theo Rae, 17, travelled through Middlesbrough.
The force said it was aware that some school closures have been agreed, but it stressed this was not on its recommendation, while Middlesbrough Council said the decision was based on possible traffic disruption.
Some schools also temporarily closed on Friday in the South Bank area for the funeral of 23-year-old Jakub Matusiak, also known as Jacob, which led to Normanby Road being shut to traffic.
The Tory leader, writing on X, said: “It’s obscene that this is happening again.
“It is the duty of government to keep schools open, yet the Labour Education Secretary is allowing gang violence to dictate the lives of law-abiding citizens.
“Lucy Powell should be ashamed that she has refused to intervene.
“This sets a terrible precedent and sends a message to criminals and thugs across the country that this Labour government is too weak to keep its people safe from them.”
In response, the Education Secretary said she trusted headteachers to make decisions.
Writing on X, Ms Powell said: “Another ill-judged attempt at political point-scoring from Kemi.
“School attendance and keeping schools open is my absolute priority, as is the safety of all children.
“We’ve been in close contact with headteachers, schools and local authorities in Redcar and Cleveland, and Middlesbrough to support them to keep schools open and with sensitive child protection issues.
“These are difficult decisions for headteachers to make, but I have been assured no further closures will be needed.
“The Conservatives used to champion school autonomy. Now, apparently, they want me signing off every decision a headteacher makes.
“I trust and support headteachers.”
Misspelling “Teesside”, she added: “If you want to talk about shame, start with huge cuts your government made to local policing and services in Teeside – they’re still living with the consequences.”
A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: “A number of schools have made the decision to close early.
“This is based on the possibility of localised traffic disruption leading to delays later in the afternoon.
“Parents and carers will be advised of any changes directly by schools.”
Superintendent John Wrintmore, from Cleveland Police, said: “We are aware of some school closures in the area and have liaised with partners in the local authorities regarding the expected disruption today.
“Again, these closures have not been made on recommendation by Cleveland Police.
“We are working closely with highways departments from the local authorities, who are leading on the traffic management for this event, in order to minimise disruption.
“There will be a proportionate visible police presence in the affected areas to ensure public safety, in line with our plans for any significant gathering.
“Should anyone have any concerns, please speak with officers in the area.”
Further funerals were due to take place in Middlesbrough this week for Cole Worthy, 17, and Makai Saddington, 18.
Michael Cahill, 23, was also among the five young men who died in a VW Passat that had been pursued by police on the A66 in the early hours of August 22.
Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, were killed in a head-on collision with the Passat, which was heading the wrong way down the dual-carriageway.
Cleveland Police has previously said the men in the Passat may have had links to organised crime.
Leaders of public bodies have joined them in asking the Home Secretary for an extra £20 million per year – equating to 200 more officers – over the coming years.
The Government has pledged £2 million towards the additional cost of the major policing operation since the crash.
In their letter, they say: “The challenges facing Cleveland Police did not begin with these tragic events, nor will they be resolved through short-term assistance.
“The fundamental issue remains of a funding model that fails to reflect the reality of policing one of the most crime-affected areas in the country.
“The evidence demonstrates that Cleveland is being asked to do more with less than almost anywhere else in the country.
“There are no police force areas with higher levels of crime than Cleveland that receive less funding than Cleveland Police.”