AN SNP MP is urging Jo Swinson to have the "good grace" apologise for incorrect figures about Scottish education inequality.
The deputy leader of the LibDems, who has confirmed her bid to become leader of the party, claimed on Question Time that just 4% of children growing up in Govan were going on to university.
In fact, at the last count in 2016/17, 23.68% of children at Govan High School went on to higher education, and 94% went on to positive destinations including higher education, further education and employment.
READ MORE: Swinson urged to correct 'patronising' Question Time claims
Justice Secretary and MP for Glasgow Pollok which covers Govan, Humza Yousaf, has written a letter to Swinson, asking her to apologise.
Ive written to @joswinson asking her to apologise to Govanites for her unacceptable slur. If you have ever stepped foot in Govan you'll know young Govanites certainly do not lack aspiration!
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) 31 May 2019
Hope Jo will show some Leadership qualities and have the good grace to apologise. pic.twitter.com/HlLZb0G4LI
Read the full letter below.
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Dear Jo,
I am writing to ask that you apologise for your insult to the young people of Govan as expressed on last night's Question Time in Epsom.
It is a great honour for me to represent Govan in the Scottish Parliament and your description of the area strikes me as at odds with the community I hold so dear. As such, I cannot allow your smear to go unchallenged.
You have rightly been taken to task in relation to the numbers you chose to use, but your insult to Govan went far beyond numbers and statistics.
During your BBC Question Time appearance you said, and I quote: "This is because a lack of ... aspiration in young people [in Govan]".
This is an outrageous smear and one for which you must immediately apologise.
I have had the privilege of representing Govan for a number of years and I can categorically tell you that young Govanites do not only have huge amounts of aspiration but have gone on to become immensely successful in their own right.
I have heard countless incredible stories of young people in Govan who have transformed their lives precisely because they have aspiration, drive and ambition – not a lack of it.
I am also concerned that the premise of your point suggests the only measurement of success is university attendance, which is not just outdated, but quite frankly wrong.
I trust you to appreciate that it is insulting and demoralising to the staff and pupils of Govan High School and Lourdes Secondary School who have worked incredibly hard over the years to change the negative misconceptions held about Govan.
Govan High School has said: "As a school we have the highest aspirations for all of our young people. We are proud of and value the positive destinations to which our young people progress. It is ill informed perceptions like [those of] Jo Swinson which harm our community."
I could not agree more.
Figures show that almost 23% of pupils left Govan High School and went onto Higher Education, 13% went onto university, an incredible 93% went onto a positive destination.
Your remarks have unfortunately perpetuated the very real perception that someone who represents areas of affluence looks down upon areas such as Govan, which is mutually detrimental.
I am saddened to note that your unfair characterisation of Govan has caused some serious hurt. I hope this will be in some way mitigated with an unreserved apology.
You would be most welcome to come to my constituency and visit Govan to meet with some of the many aspirational young Govanites who make this area the vibrant community I know it to be.
I note that you have put yourself forward for the leadership of the Liberal Democrats. Though I wish you well I would remind you that a key quality of leadership is to hold your hands up to the mistaskes you have made – I therefore hope you will have the good grace to follow through with an apology.
Your sincerely,
Humza Yousaf MSP
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