Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Margaret Smith MSP has accused the SNP of making a hollow promise on their commitment to reduce class sizes across Scotland.

Mrs Smith's call comes after the announcement from East Renfrewshire Council that due to a legal loophole it was 'bowing to the inevitable' and raising all its class sizes to 30 as of August.

Commenting, Mrs Smith said:

"This is yet further evidence that the SNP's manifesto commitment on class sizes was a hollow promise.

"Ministers didn't give councils the money to reduce class sizes. They also failed to provide them with the necessary legal protection.

"I raised this issue with the Education Secretary in Parliament last year. So far she has failed to take action to tackle this problem.

"It is time Ministers stopped hiding behind excuses and took real action to address this issue."

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