The Tories claimed Labour’s private schools policy “just doesn’t work” as Sir Keir Starmer was accused of being “forced to U-turn”. 

Labour has backtracked on its plans to end the charitable status of private schools in England.

But it still intends to press ahead with its policy of imposing VAT on private school fees, with the party insisting that the schools do not have to pass on the additional costs to parents. 

John Glen, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, claimed Labour was “just making it up as they go along”. 

The senior Tory MP said: “Labour has been forced to U-turn on one of their major policies – this time admitting that their schools tax hike just doesn’t work. They are just making it up as they go long.

“Keir Starmer is clearly only interested in short term policies designed to grab headlines, without any regard for the consequences - and inevitably has flip-flopped on them.

“In contrast the Conservatives are taking immediate action to provide relief and take the long-term decisions for a brighter future for our children.”

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