David Blackburn

Nicky Morgan and Tristram Hunt respond to the ‘Trojan horse’ schools report

Nicky Morgan described the findings of Peter Clarke’s report into the Birmingham schools scandal as ‘disturbing’, and laid out how she plans to respond.

Morgan announced that Sir Bob Kerslake, the outgoing head of the home civil service, will conduct a review into the affair. A new education commissioner will be appointed for Birmingham. The Secretary of State will take greater control if necessary. Morgan outlined how teachers who invite extremist speakers will be disciplined, and explained that Ofsted will have greater oversight of governors — including in academies and free schools.

‘British values’ were central to Morgan’s statement because ‘extremism’ has been defined as those values which contradict British values. Morgan defined ‘British values’ as being ‘tolerance’ and ‘the rule of law’ (described in the Ofsted

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