Oh my Lord!

PARLIAMENT is a Covid-challenged, sad old place these days, isn’t it? Like life in general, it’s becoming more “virtual” with every passing day. MPs “attend” without having to move from their own front room. Same applies to their Lordships, who can also “virtually” attend. Still, in these dark days, the eccentricities of the Upper House can provide some light relief. So here goes.

Step forward crossbench peer, the 9th Earl of Clancarty.

His daughter (Lady Rowena Elizabeth Joy Le Poer Trench) told him “her school has no uniform” and that if it did “she wouldn’t be able to express herself”. I see (so that’s what education is all about, well I never). Dad agrees with her. School uniforms are “repressive” he says, (he obviously never met my form master). They are “outmoded” (only in his mind) and “designed to keep children in line” (they are — so what?). “Pupils should find their own style” he opines (I never associated the peerage with anarchy, did you?). His Lordships’ therefore considered opinion? Uniforms should be abolished!

So, the way to improve education and get children ready to cope with the challenges of life is to let them do what the hell they want, is it? (I feel despair setting in.) Uniforms promote good behaviour, a sense of belonging and ensure the poorest in class don’t stand out like a sore thumb.

I went to Otley Secondary Modern School. I proudly wore its uniform. So, where did Lord Clancarty acquire his “enlightened” understanding of what school attire is best for an average Yorkshire tyke like me? Westminster School. Current tuition fees? £64,320 + uniform. Perhaps I’m guilty of inverted snobbery (oh, I do hope so).