Blunkett Outlines "New Beginning" - Lilley Attacks
Education Secretary David Blunkett called for a "new beginning" for education as Labour strive to improve standards in schools and colleges. Mr Blunkett condemned what he called the "legacy of neglect" left by the Tories and promised an improved relationship with teachers and education authorities.
In his first parliamentary speech since taking up his new post he told the Commons: "At last we have the opportunity of turning words into action and starting the process of making a difference to the lives of millions of people across the country."
Mr Blunkett announced government plans to introduce a new qualification for head teachers which, he says, will equip them with the necessary "leadership skills and management qualifications".
He promised the Labour government would establish a new relationship with schools and colleges that would "put children before dogma and make sure we put the interests of children first on every occasion".
Under the new legislation standards in education would rise and people would have increased opportunities to earn a living instead of being dependent on welfare, Mr Blunkett said.
Tory leadership challenger Peter Lilley said Labour's plans for education and welfare were "built on flimsy foundations". He said their proposals to reduce unemployment were "artificial" and did not encourage "natural economic growth". Mr Lilley also claimed that Labour's proposed job creation schemes would cost more money than they would save in benefit payments.
The former Social Security Secretary then turned his attention to Europe saying the signing of the Social Chapter would give Brussels the power to inflict "job destroying" policies on Britain. Mr Lilley's Euro-sceptic line of attack was well received on the Tory benches. John Redwood, another Euro-sceptic leadership challenger attacked Labour's programme in the Commons last night while the rest of the contenders are all expected to speak in the next few days.
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