TRAVELLER families must take responsibility for their children’s poor educational outcomes, according to Shipley MP Philip Davies.

A report by the Children’s Society, produced after speaking with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) parents was evidence the communities placed greater emphasis on teaching skills of a trade than educational achievement.

Speaking during the Women and Equality Committee Select Committee enquiry into tackling inequalities, he said the reasons for them dropping out of school include being victims of bullying, GRT history is not taught properly, sex education, PE being taught at schools, and trauma of detention.

Mr Davies said families should take responsibility and stop blaming everyone else.