MP 'using children to distribute propaganda'

A Labour MP has been accused for the second time in a week of using schoolchildren to distribute "party" propaganda.

Ann Keen, MP for Brentford and Isleworth, sent a letter to secondary schools highlighting Government moves to encourage students to stay on after 16.

Some headteachers refused to send the letter on to parents on the grounds that it would be inappropriate while at those schools that did get involved, parents complained about their children arriving home with the letter.

Ms Keen, an aide to Chancellor Gordon Brown, came under fire last week after children as young as five were used to deliver a letter to their parents which praised the Budget for pumping more cash into schools.

Parents complained to the Standard after Ms Keen sent the second letter hailing the Government's ?30-a-week education maintenance allowance for those who stay on at school beyond 16.

Shadow education secretary Tim Collins responded: "This is an amazingly cynical move. Surely school children should not be used for Labour Party propaganda?"

Labour said Ms Keen felt the letter was valuable information for parents.