Parents could be given vouchers towards their child's independent schooling under a Conservative government, the shadow chancellor has said.

Party Response: Liberal Democrats

Phil Willis MP, Liberal Democrat education spokesman, said: "It is now clear that the Tory’s empty promise to empower the poor lasted less than a week.

"Within four days of the launch of their big idea for schools, senior Tories are fighting like ferrets in a sack over the policy.

"The move to extend passports to all pupils means an immediate £2bn subsidy for private schools at the expense of children from our poorest communities."

Forum Response: National Union of Teachers

John Bangs, head of education for the National Union of Teachers told ePolitix.com: "School vounchers or school passports whatever you want to call them have been tried before and have failed before.

"They merely satisfy private schools and don't benefit school children at all. Any parties education policy should be to provide high quality education for every child and not to prop up private schools, as this scheme would."