Tony Blair has to convince critics within his own party to back the reforms in education. Though prime minister says reforms will make schools more autonomous and benefit more working class children, its critics feel that such a plan would allow schools to enrol pupils only on basis of merit.
This is a must-win battle for Mr. Blair, feel many observers. If he is defeated, his political career might take a beating, according to them.
Tony Blair claims that these measures are being introduced to help "the victims of under-achievement", whose rights Labour must support. He will make a pitch for these changes in a conference in northern England and hope that they are accepted.
Education secretary Ruth Kelly's white paper has created discomfort within the Labour party. The former education secretary and Labour leader, Estelle Morris, on Wednesday launched a critique, where she described them as "one of the most confusing white papers I have ever seen".
Mr. Blair found a supporter in Chancellor Gordon Brown, who told at a cabinet meet that the proposals mooted in the white paper were in line with the election manifesto. Therefore, he felt that it was the obligation of all backbenchers to support them. He also said it gave the Labour a chance to distinguish itself from the Tories.
Mr Blair is to invoke traditional Labour values defending Kelly’s white paper, which lays emphasis on literacy, numeracy and specialist schools.
Ms. Kelly, who came up with the White Paper last month, said that codes would be maintained to “ensure fair admissions”. She added: “There will be no free-for-all. And there will be no return to selection by ability by the front door, back door, trap door, green door or any other door at all.”
As per the plans, schools would be able to exercise more volition without having to yield to local authorities. This could turn them into “trust schools” where its own authorities can take decisions regarding their finances, staff and pupils they select.
On the other hand, its detractors believe that these reforms will benefit middle classes most and render the elected local education authorities powerless.
As Blair‘s majority was lowered in a May election, it is enough for lesser than 40 Labour parliamentarians along with opposition parties to defeat him in a vote.
Posted
on : Fri, 18 Nov 2005 20:20 GMT | Politics News
By : Mike Lawson
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