“It’s usually university students who stop speakers coming to their university” says Michael Fabricant.  “But now it seems it’s come to Lichfield too.  And to a primary school at that.

“This morning (15^th July) I was due to talk to a group of primary school children ranging from 6 years of age to 11 about how our democracy works nationally and locally and how they can impact Lichfield as a group beyond the school gates.  And then they were going to ask me questions and give me a tour of the School.  I know they were very much looking forward to it.

“But a politically motivated group of parents who found out about this decided to put pressure on the Headteacher and my visit was cancelled at short notice.

“The children are disappointed.  And so am I.  They wanted to meet a Member of our national Parliament.  I never discuss Party Politics on school visits, but instead have lively discussions on how Parliament works and on issues that interest the students.

“Given my liberal views on most matters, I find the whole thing both selfish and petty and am sorry the children are disappointed. They are probably as bewildered as I am on this decision.  I feel sorry for the headteacher too.

“To avoid their embarrassment, I won’t name the School.”