Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has defended her decision to send her children to private schools, saying it does not conflict with her role as a Labour minister. Fahnbulleh, who represents Peckham in Parliament, addressed criticism following reports that her three children attend fee-paying schools despite Labour’s recent policy to apply value-added tax (VAT) to private school fees for the first time.

Speaking on The News Agents podcast, Fahnbulleh described the controversy as "bizarre," emphasizing that she supports parents having the option to choose independent education when it offers opportunities not available in state schools. She stated that her personal choice does not exclude her from being part of the Labour Party.

The 46-year-old Cabinet minister, whose husband is a hedge-fund founder, has not disclosed the exact cost of her children’s education. However, sources estimate that their schooling expenses amount to at least £50,000 annually. Fahnbulleh herself attended Beechwood Sacred Heart school in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, where boarding fees currently reach £45,000 per year.

The VAT policy, introduced by Labour, aims to increase taxes on private school fees, a move supporters argue will help fund state education. Critics have contended that ministers who choose private schooling for their children undermine the party's stance. Fahnbulleh’s comments highlight ongoing debates within Labour regarding education policy and personal choices by its members.