Tensions flared in the UK political arena as Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch publicly condemned the decision to close several Middlesbrough schools early for a second time due to an upcoming funeral. The closures, intended to mitigate traffic disruptions and potential security issues, have ignited a political debate over the government's response to what Badenoch termed "gang violence dictating the lives of law-abiding citizens."
Mourners gathered on Monday for the funeral of Theo Rae, one of five young men who died in a catastrophic wrong-way crash on the A66 last month. The incident also claimed the lives of two police officers. Rae, 17, was among the occupants of a Volkswagen Passat that collided with a marked police vehicle. The other victims were identified as Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, Michael Robert Cahill, 23, and Jakub Matusiak, 23. The police officers were PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38.
Prior to Rae's service, four schools in the Acklam area of Middlesbrough were dismissed early. Outwood Academy Acklam closed at 12:15 p.m., Newham Bridge Primary School at 1 p.m., and Acklam Whin Primary School and Green Lane School at 1:15 p.m. These decisions mirrored early closures implemented the previous Friday for the funeral of Jakub Matusiak. The schools cited concerns about localized traffic disruption as the reason for the early dismissals.
Badenoch, a prominent Conservative leader, expressed her strong disapproval on the social media platform X, stating, "It is the duty of government to keep schools open, yet the Labour Education Secretary is allowing gang violence to dictate the lives of law-abiding citizens." She criticized Labour's Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, for refusing to intervene, arguing that the closures set a "terrible precedent" and signaled weakness by the government. Badenoch also described the situation as a "kick in the teeth" to the police officers who were responding to incidents involving the same individuals whose funerals were causing the disruptions.
"It was bad enough that schools closed early last week but it is completely unfathomable that the Labour government has not stopped it happening again this week. If they don't act now, this will only get worse," Badenoch stated. She added that the government's inaction would only embolden criminals.
The funeral procession for Theo Rae featured a white carriage with a dark blue coffin drawn by two horses adorned with blue feathers. Floral tributes included arrangements spelling out 'son' and 'grandson.' Attendees were seen in cars and some mourners were observed hanging out of vehicles as the procession arrived at Teesside Crematorium. A silver BMW reportedly bore a custom license plate reading 'RIP THEO'.
This marks the second funeral for one of the young men involved in the crash. Matusiak's service was held the previous Friday at St John the Evangelist Church in South Bank, Middlesbrough. Hundreds of mourners attended, many dressed in black and orange, Matusiak's favorite color. The funeral cortege included luxury vehicles such as an Aston Martin, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce.
Further services are scheduled for Makai Saddington and Cole Robert Worthy later this week, as well as for the fallen police officers. The funerals of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough are also expected to take place.
In response to Badenoch's criticism, Education Secretary Lucy Powell called the Conservative leader's remarks an "ill-judged attempt at political point-scoring." Powell stated that her department had been in close contact with headteachers, schools, and local authorities to support them in keeping schools open, while also addressing sensitive child protection issues. She assured that no further closures would be necessary and that decisions made by headteachers were difficult and made in consultation with local authorities.
Downing Street echoed the sentiment that disruption to learning should be minimized, but acknowledged "exceptional local circumstances." A spokesperson for the Prime Minister reiterated the government's position that "the right place for children is in the classroom" and that schools are expected to remain open. The government stated it is continuing to support schools in remaining open during periods of disruption.