Music tuition cuts raised at Westminster

EFFORTS in Annan to stop free musical instrument tuition from being dropped in Dumfries and Galloway schools have reached Westminster.

There has been widespread outcry against proposals for cuts to the service as part of savings facing the local authority.

Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell raised the issue in the House of Commons after being briefed on the negative impact the loss of the lessons could have on pupils across the region.

The concerns were raised with him by Annan Academy pupils during a school visit to the Houses of Parliament.

Later, during a Commons session, Mr Mundell highlighted the issue with Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell MP. He said: “I was pleased to hear directly from the young people that many of them had actively participated in a consultation by SNP-led Dumfries and Galloway Council to voice their opposition to an ill thought out proposal to cut free music instrument tuition in local schools.

“Not only are the Annan pupils right that music tuition should not only be for those who can pay for it, but they are also to be praised for speaking out on an issue that directly affects them and we should encourage all young people to do the same.”

Sir Alan responded: “Students at Annan have set a fantastic example and are right to champion the importance of music.”

He added that the issues raised by the Annan pupils perhaps could be a fitting subject during a future debate.