Private school parents will be hit by higher fees within days of a Labour government, says Keir Starmer

PRIVATE school parents will be clobbered by higher fees within days of a Labour government, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

The party leader vowed to slap VAT on independent schools “straight away” if he is elected.

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Private school parents will be clobbered by higher fees within days of a Labour government, Sir Keir Starmer has said[/caption]

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Gillian Keegan warned it only takes a ‘small number’ of pupils leaving the private sector to ‘cost everyone money’[/caption]

Asked when worried parents could expect a hike, Sir Keir told BBC Radio 4 yesterday: “As soon as it can be done.

“Obviously, there will have to be financial statements.

“It is a question of the timetable in Parliament.

“But these first steps are intended to be done straight away.”

Labour claims the tax raid will generate £1.7billion for spending on state education, including the recruitment of 6,500 new teachers.

The Tories have slammed the policy as a wrecking ball for the struggling sector.

They say it will lead to an exodus of students into the state system, which does not have the capacity or resources to cope.

Some independent schools have estimated fees could rise by £3,000 per year.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan last month warned it only takes a “small number” of pupils leaving the private sector to “cost everyone money.”