July 19, 2017 2.18 pm This story is over 80 months old

Watch Gainsborough MP’s reaction after Theresa May responds to his question on faith schools

Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh appeared to be less than impressed by the prime minister’s answer to his question on faith schools. The veteran MP, who has represented his constituency since 1983, asked Theresa May to commit to a Conservative Party manifesto pledge to remove the faith-based cap for free schools. He said: “Before the…
Sir Edward Leigh's reaction after the prime minster answered his question

Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh appeared to be less than impressed by the prime minister’s answer to his question on faith schools.

The veteran MP, who has represented his constituency since 1983, asked Theresa May to commit to a Conservative Party manifesto pledge to remove the faith-based cap for free schools.

He said: “Before the election, the government committed to removing the faith-based cap for free schools and even included this promise in our election manifesto.

“Catholic dioceses up and down the country are anxious now to open free schools – some have even purchased sites.

“Will the prime minister commit her government to honouring a solemn pledge in our own manifesto?”

The question asked at PMQs on July 19 was greeted by a few laughs by fellow MPs before Theresa May answered.

She said: “My hon. Friend will recognise that the reason we put that in our manifesto, and indeed the reason it was in the Schools Green Paper that we published before the election, was that we do believe it’s important to enable more faith schools to be set up and faith schools to expand.

“This is an issue that my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, is considering and she will be publishing further details on our overall view in terms of improving school diversity and encouraging more good school places to be created in the near future.”

This was Sir Edward Leigh’s reaction immediately after Theresa May had finished giving her answer.

Sir Edward Leigh’s reaction after the prime minster responded to his question

Twitter users also picked up on his response.