MPs debate school holiday costs

MPs have suggested "staggering" school term dates and giving teachers more discretion on absences during a debate on the cost of holidays.

The debate was sparked by a petition which calls for price caps to stop holiday firms "cashing in" on the school holidays.

No MP backed price regulation during the Westminster Hall debate, and the government also rejected the idea.

But term staggering and more power for schools received widespread support.

Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming, who requested the debate, said the issue was a "considerable concern" to many people.

He said price capping was not a "practical solution", and a plan to suspend Airport Passenger Duty in the school summer holidays was "not a flyer".