Fans of BBC Breakfast likened the show to Punch and Judy after Charlie Staite interviewed one of the guests.
Viewers were furious on Thursday (February 29) after hearing news that the government plans to increase fines for parents who remove their children from school without permission outside the holiday period. The fine will increase from £60 to £80 per parent as part of the government’s incentive to bring attendance numbers back to pre-pandemic levels.
In an interview with schools minister Damian Hinds, Charlie got to the bottom of the situation, even suggesting that £20 wouldn’t make that much of a difference. The newscaster also tried to ask Damian if any parents have faced serious repercussions or “legal action” for not paying their fines, but after asking for numbers, Damian was unable to answer. .
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However, when Daman spoke out, many watching at home labeled him “out of touch.” On the other hand, some people were distracted by his constant waving while talking.
Taking to social media site Another said: ‘There was another road interview with a Tory minister on BBC Breakfast this morning, this time with schools minister Damian Hinds, who has no idea how many parents have been prosecuted for their children not attending school. ” he said. Incompetent minister! ”
A third fumed: “Put your hands down. It’s like watching a Punch and Judy show.” A fourth viewer added: “The minister is way out of line if he thinks parents aren’t weighing the price of holidays and fines.”
Meanwhile, another annoyed person wrote: “Oh my god, is this idiot @DamianHinds actually active? Yes, it’s a problem but it’s too much. It’s his prerogative and he can’t put up any numbers. “No. They’ve been campaigning all along, announcing things that aren’t helpful. That’s what we did.” In our time there was something called a truancy officer, and it worked. ”
Many viewers of BBC Breakfast also said the government should crack down on travel companies that jack up prices during the school holidays. Others, however, criticized private schools that may not follow the same rules.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan told BBC News: “If it’s a deliberate decision to take a child out of school for truancy, that’s something we don’t want to encourage. “We have to bring it back. If we don’t, our children won’t be able to go back to school.” You will receive a great education. ”
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