Blackpool MP Scott Benton claims schoolkids are identifying as ‘dinosaurs and a moon’

Blackpool South MP warned “indoctrination in our education system is deeply disturbing” as he claimed that people are being allowed to identify as “horses, dinosaurs […] and a moon”

The MP, who is currently suspended by the Conservative party, waded into a row which followed a teacher at a Sussex school calling a pupil “despicable” in a conversation about transgender issues. It came as the class and teacher discussed concepts of sex and gender as well as the idea of a pupil saying they identified as a cat.

An audio recording of the conversation was shared and included the teacher calling one pupil “despicable” and becoming clearly frustrated. The matter was raised in the House of Commons today and led to confirmation that the Department for Education has “launched an investigation” into what happened.

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After the issue was raised by Desmond Swayne MP, Mr Benton added his own warning. He said: “The absurd campaign to rewrite the biological reality of sex reached new heights this week with a teacher branding a child despicable for refusing to accept a classmate who was cat.

“This comes after an investigation has found that schoolchildren are being allowed to identify as horses, dinosaurs and in one case as a moon. This type of indoctrination in our education system is deeply disturbing and must be addressed.

“The rights of parents and children simply must come first. Will (she) find time for a debate on the steps the Government can take to ensure that our young people are not being exposed and indoctrinated with such nonsense in our schools.”

A spokesperson for Rye College, where the incident happened, said in a statement: “We have now met with the Department for Education to share a comprehensive update on the events which took place before, during and after the recording.This meeting was a positive step and we will continue working closely with them to ensure any appropriate action is taken.

“More widely, we understand that draft guidance on gender identity in schools is expected to be issued by the Government soon and we would of course welcome what we hope will be clear and helpful guidance to support all teachers and schools in addressing gender identity going forward.

“This will be particularly useful in developing future training to ensure staff feel confident, well-equipped and well-prepared to address these issues. We remain committed to offering our pupils an inclusive education in line with best practice and will continue to support our teachers in their endeavours to ensure that pupils’ views are listened to, and encourage them to ask questions and engage in discussion.”