Reform councillor claims non-Christian studying could ‘brainwash’ children

REFORM UK county councillor has called for Northumberland schools not to teach pupils religious education that is not Christian - for fear it could “brainwash” children.

- JAMES ROBINSON

Coun David Fitzgerald, who represents the Choppington and Hepscott ward, made the comments during Wednesday's meeting of the county council.

Coun Fitzgerald, who is a member of the local authority's standing advisory council on religious education (SACRE) said he was “totally against” the teaching and insisted the UK was a “Christian country”. Local MPs have written to the council urging Coun Fitzgerald's removal from SACRE.

Coun Fitzgerald was speaking during a debate on a Labour Party motion to introduce tighter rules around safeguarding and disclosure and barring (DBS) checks. He said: “T totally agree with DBS checks for all those who work with children and vulnerable adults, having worked in that sector myself.

“My concern is within the education authority itself. I have two grandchildren, they are going to school, and they could be forced to attend religious education that is not Christian.

“I am totally against it. We are a Christian country and have been for centuries, and we must remain so.