Lord Nash, chair of the trust which runs Pimlico academy, has come under heavy criticism for a letter to parents warning of disciplinary action against pupils following protests earlier in April over allegations of race discrimination. Meanwhile Westminster Council has remained totally silent and failed to reassure parents or the community directly that it was looking into the concerns raised by pupils.

Liza Begum, Labour Council Candidate for Churchill Ward said: “Pupils have raised incredibly serious concerns about discrimination and personal safety, now is the time for constructive dialogue not threatening letters. Lord Nash’s tone deaf letter will not give parents and pupils confidence that the governing body is acting on the very serious issues raised”.

Cllr Tim Roca, Labour Shadow Cabinet Member for Young People and Learning said: “Lord Nash’s unhelpful intervention further emphasises the need for the Council and the DFE to step in. The silence from Westminster Council on this issue has been deafening. Parents want to know that these serious allegations are being addressed, and addressed quickly.”

The story has been covered in the Guardian here.