Growing Labour backlash
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is facing pressure from No10 as a Labour backlash grows over her controversial schools reforms. Critics argue that her proposed laws attacking academy school freedoms could lead to a decline in education standards.
Blindsided by backlash
No10 sources reveal that there is frustration over the scale of the backlash to the plan, with some feeling that Phillipson could have handled the situation better. The proposed Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill aims to restrict academy freedoms and potentially bring some schools back under council control.
Labour opposition
Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh is leading the opposition to the reforms, urging the Prime Minister to maintain the current system of academies. Critics believe that the proposed changes could reignite past disputes over academies, ultimately impacting children's education.
No10 support
Despite the criticism, a Downing Street spokesman denies any internal disagreement over the Bill, emphasizing full support for the proposed reforms. The government aims to uphold high education standards and address failing schools through a mix of approaches, including academisation and support for effective local authorities.
