Steve Brine took part in a Parliamentary debate on Monday 26th October to push for a compromise on term-time holidays for young children in primary school.
The Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP has long-pushed for a relaxation to the rules which mean that parents can be fined for taking children out of class on a family holiday during term-time, and he used the Westminster Hall debate to further the case which has been made by many parents of young children across his constituency.
Addressing the session, which was called by his Conservative colleague Steve Double MP, Mr Brine acknowledged that it is the state's right and responsibility to see that children get a proper education, and those looking for change were not necessarily seeking an 'absolute right' to take children out of school for family holidays.
In calling for a relaxation of the rules, he said: "I wonder whether there might be a compromise to be reached for children in the early years of primary school—reception, year 1 and year 2."
Speaking afterwards, he said: "This was a good debate but ultimately frustrating as we haven't moved forward. I think my compromise suggestion is worth exploring and will be pursuing it with Ministers."
The debate also heard contributions from MPs including Dr Lisa Cameron, Neil Carmichael and Scott Mann, and was also joined by Schools Minister Nick Gibb.
More information ...
Parliament TV (scroll to 16:39:16)
