A Labour MP has called for mindfulness to be made compulsory in schools across the country following a campaign by the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, writes Harry Torrance.

Charlotte Nichols, the MP for Ghey’s constituency of Warrington North, secured a debate in parliament over whether regular mindfulness sessions should become part of the national curriculum, arguing they would be “part of a solution to a mental health crisis.”

The debate came after Esther Ghey launched the ‘Peace in Mind’ campaign, which has resulted in mindfulness being introduced into several schools in the Warrington area.

“We want to promote empathy, compassion and kindness throughout society,” said Nichols. Ghey’s campaign is a tribute to her transgender daughter, Brianna, who was stabbed to death in February last year.

“Esther is the most remarkable person I’ve ever met,” Nichols added. But she doesn’t want sympathy or pity. She wants to deliver a lasting legacy for her daughter.”

Nichols suggested the use of mindfulness in schools would have several positive outcomes including reduced mental health problems, as well as improved social skills, behaviour, and academic performance.

Damien Hinds, the schools minister, responded that mindfulness “might not be right for everyone”, adding: “Schools should retain the flexibility to choose interventions that suit their pupils in their own local context.”