Blair confident of pushing through school reforms |
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Mon, 27 Feb 2006 02:30
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LONDON - Prime Minister Tony Blair continues to back his school reforms although it is clear that he will have to fight hard to get it through. Blair has often contended that the schools reforms will help end the two-tier system.
"Our aim is not to establish a two-tier system but, on the contrary, to get rid of it, to help children - especially from the most disadvantaged backgrounds - to overcome their disadvantage and do well," Mr Blair said. "It is why, however difficult, we shall continue and persevere with the reform, and hopefully succeed." There is concern on the Labour benches and the deal is in jeopardy of falling through.
Hence, Blair has made it clear that he would welcome support from ay quarter including the Tories, "I want the reforms through: that's the main thing. Of course I would like to do it with a majority of Labour MPs in support. The important thing is to do this for the country," he commented. He also stated that the government had convinced the Labour doubters over the "trust" schools' plans.
"We have given reassurances on selection and the strategic role for local authorities," he added. The Education Bill will be out in the next week and Mr Blair stressed that it was outcome that was important rather than reform just for the sake of it, "The purpose is to improve the lives of Britain's hard-working families, to give them all opportunity and security in a rapidly changing world, where traditional patterns of economic and social life are being radically transformed," he said.
"I am hopeful we will get the vast majority of Labour MPs behind us. In fact, I am absolutely sure we will get the vast majority. The question is whether we manage to get enough to get it through with Labour votes alone."
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