Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has defended being on holiday during the summer – despite the fact that three new cases of unsafe concrete came to light.
Ms Keegan was on holiday from 25 August to 31 August when she admitted that three new cases of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) emerged.
Asked whether being on holiday was a “mistake” due to the new evidence coming to light, Ms Keegan said she was away for her “dad’s birthday” and that she had responded to a series of crises in recent months, including teacher strikes.
Earlier today Ms Keegan apologised for her “choice language” after she was caught complaining about not being thanked for doing a “f***ing good job” over the concrete crisis.
After an interview with ITV News in Westminster, the cabinet minister criticised others for being “sat on their arses” and claimed the government had gone “over and above” in addressing concerns relating to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).
While her mic was still on she said: “Does anyone ever say ‘You know you’ve done a f***ing good job because everyone else has sat on their arses and done nothing’.
“No signs of that, no?”
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Ms Keegan’s outburst came after she had come under pressure over the unfolding crisis in schools caused by the use of RAAC.
Thousands of pupils face disruption at the start of term this week following an order to fully or partially close 104 schools because of concerns about the type of concrete, which is prone to collapse after a period of time.
Pupils face being taught in temporary classrooms, on different sites or even forced into pandemic-style remote lessons.
