Keir Starmer warns it's 'immoral' many kids don't get chance to learn instrument

10 March 2024 , 22:30

912     0

Keir Starmer learnt to play the flute when he was a child (Image: PA)

Keir Starmer has warned it is “frankly immoral” that many kids do not have access to the arts as he vows to broaden the school curriculum.

The Labour leader will reiterate his call for every child to have the chance to play a musical instrument as he visits a school in the East of England on Monday. He will raise concerns about how state educated pupils are being prevented from fulfilling their full potential.

Mr Starmer said: “It is short-sighted and frankly immoral, to allow arts and culture to become the domain of a few privileged pupils. Britain is a world leader in music and film, but we are holding back masses of potential because the Conservatives’ creativity crisis is shutting kids out.

“Growing up in a working-class household, the opportunity to learn an instrument gave me benefits far beyond the music. It gave me the confidence to kick on, and the drive to achieve. My mission is to ensure all children are supported to be creative and reap the practical, emotional and social benefits that come with it. That’s irrespective of your school, your family income or where you live.”

Mr Starmer played the flute, piano and violin as a child. Labour has said it will review the school curriculum to broaden opportunities for state-school pupils and ensure that children don’t miss out on subjects such as music, art, design, sport and drama.

Inside WW1 military hospital abandoned for decades before new lease of life

British film director Sir Steve McQueen backed Labour’s plans to improve access to creative subjects. He said: “If we are talking about opportunity for young people, then the ability to express themselves imaginatively and creatively, and in their own way, is one of the greatest opportunities you could possibly give them.

“Culture and the arts are something this country is the best at, and they need to be nurtured and protected.”

Over 130 British actors, directors and musicians have been nominated for main solo gongs at the Academy Awards, BAFTA Film Awards and Mercury music awards over the last 10 years. Only 60 percent of those nominees were state educated.

John Stevens