Esther McVey: Tory leadership hopeful sparks backlash with remarks over LGBT+ relationship lessons

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Esther McVey, the Conservative leadership candidate, has sparked condemnation after saying parents should be free to stop their children learning about LGBT+ relationships in schools. The former work and pensions secretary argued that “parents know best for their children” and claimed it was “down to them” if they wanted to withdraw children from sex and relationship education. While they’re still children – and we’re talking primary school – then really the parents need to have the final say on what they want their children to know.” She condemned parents protesting outside schools, but said: “The final say is with the parents. If parents want to take their young children – primary schools children – out of certain forms of sex and relationship education then that is down to them.” Under new government regulations, all primary schools must teach students about different types of family, while secondary schools have to provide lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity.