Nick Gibb MP,
Minister of State,
Department for Education,
Sanctuary Buildings,
Great Smith Street,
London,
SW13 3BT

19 January 2012

Dear Nick,

I have received a number of letters from constituents who have signed a petition urging the introduction of compulsory financial education in schools. This petition has gained over 118,000 signatures to date and puts forward a convincing case for the need for financial education within our schools.
The recent financial crisis has highlighted the problem of miss-selling of financial plans; one that could perhaps be abated by the development of a financially literate population. Furthermore it is vital that young people grow up with an understanding of debt and consumption, in order that they are capable of making the best decisions possible for themselves.
The number of signatures secured for this petition demonstrates widespread public support for the idea of compulsory financial education in schools, and I hope that you will consider amending the National Curriculum accordingly.
I am sure you will share my commitment to ensuring that young people are literate in every area of their life, and I look forward to hearing your opinions on this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline Lucas, MP, Brighton Pavilion