Scottish Catholic Observer

Glasgow MP Chris Stephens lodged a motion in the House of Commons in December marking the centenary of the 1918 Education Act, which brought Catholic schools into the state sector. However, by January 16, only 13 MPs had signed, including motion sponsors Brendan O’Hara, Stephen Gethins, Philippa Whitford and Carol Monaghan from the SNP, and Hugh Gaffney from Labour.

Signatures also came from four other SNP MPs and three MPs from outside Scotland: two English Labour MPs and Democratic Unionist Jim Shannon.

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow, head of the Scottish Bishops’ Conference, said he was ‘disappointed’ at the lack of support. “During the past century, Catholic schools have made a significant contribution to Scottish society and it is reasonable to expect that our MPs might acknowledge this,” he said.

A Church spokesman highlighted the fact that most MPs will have Catholic schools in their constituency and questioned their lack of support, pointing in particular to East Renfrewshire, home to St Ninian’s High School, which regularly tops national league tables of the best schools in the country.

When brought to his attention by the SCO, Paul Masterton, Conservative MP for East Renfrewshire, said he had not been aware of the motion but was happy to now sign it. Unlike the system in place in the Scottish Parliament, representatives are not routinely made aware of motions lodged in the House of Commons, his office said.

“Although I do not routinely sign opposition member motions, once this was brought to my attention I was happy to add my support,” Mr Masterson said. “Catholic schools in East Renfrewshire provide not only the very best education to pupils but also give so much back to our local community.”

None of the four Scottish Lib Dem MPs signed the motion. A request for comment from the party went unanswered.