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| Aung San Suu Kyi at parliament: Politics live blog | Aung San Suu Kyi at parliament: Politics live blog |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| 3.28pm: Suu Kyi says her journey out of Burma has not been a sentimental pilgrimage to the past. She has been looking to the future. | |
| She says she has found the response she's received very moving. | |
| During her house arrest, it was not just the BBC that kept her in touch with the world outside. Music and culture persuaded her she would never be alone. | |
| The prizes she received were not so much a personal recognition, but a wider statement that she would never be left alone. | |
| She quotes from a poem that Churchill quoted in one of his wartime speeches. | |
And not by eastern windows only, | |
| When daylight comes, comes in the light; | |
| In front the sun climbs slow, how slowly! | |
| But westward, look, the land is bright! | |
| 3.25pm: Suu Kyi says she hopes that Britain will continue to help Burma through targeted aid assistance. | |
| Measures to combat unemployment are particularly important, she says. | |
| She appeals for "democracy-friendly investment". She means investment that prioritises democracy, accountability and environmental sustainability. | |
| The extractive industries transparency initiative secretariat is coming to Burma, she says. She hopes there will be further initiatives like this. | |
| 3.23pm: Suu Kyi says Burma has not known a time when there has been peace throughout the land in 60 years of independence. | |
| 3.21pm: Suu Kyi says she has only spent a few minutes in Burma's parliament. It is very formal. Men have to wear a headress. And there is no hecking. | |
| She says she would like the Burmese parliament to be a bit more lively, like Britain's. It should reflect the passions of the people, she says. | |
| 3.19pm: Suu Kyi says if the Burmese do not get things right this time around, it may take many decades before they get another chance. | |
| She says Britain should support the "nascent parliamentary democracy". | |
| Without strong institutions, this process will not be sustainable. | |
| She says she hopes Britain will share its experiences with Burma. | |
| 3.18pm: Suu Kyi says the Burmese election revealed a passion for something "long denied". | |
| Burma's parliamentary era was not perfect. But it was the most promising period until now. | |
| 3.11pm: Suu Kyi says it is appropriate to be speaking in Westminster Hall. Reform in Burma will depend on the country getting an independent parliament. | |
| Wesminster has been a symbol for freedom of speech around the world. In London some people may take this for granted. But in Burma these freedoms are not taken for granted. | |
| Burma has had 49 years of direct military rule. It will take a while for democracy to find its feet. | |
| Suu Kyi says she would like Burma to learn from other parliamentary models. | |
| People participate in a free election in a democracy. In Burma, in the election earlier this year, people understood how important this right was. | |
| Suu Kyi says she did not have the right to vote when she was living in the UK. But she encouraged other people to vote. | |
| To those who feel themselves above politics, she says they should not. Politics is integral to existence. | |
| She recalls that once, living in Oxford, a canvasser came to the house. Her husband told the woman that his wife determined how he voted. | |
| Suu Kyi says the election in Burma was largely free and fair. She pays tribute to the president, Thein Sein, for this. | |
| 3.10pm: Suu Kyi says General Slim recalled meeting her father in his memoirs. Slim told him that he was only speaking to the British because they were winning the war. Her father said there would be no point talking to the British if they were losing. | |
| 3.08pm: Aung San Suu Kyi says she understand that there was a debate about whether she should speak in Westminster Hall, or somewhere else. She welcomes that debate. That's what parliaments are for. | |
| She says she is glad to have been to Number 10. The most famous picture of her father is one of him at Number 10 with Clement Attlee, where they were discussing Burma's independence. | |
| She says her father was a founding member of the Burmese independence army. He thought democracy was the only valid political system. It's a view she shares, she says. | |
| 3.04pm: John Bercow says many people have spoken in Westminster Hall over the last 900 years. | |
| In recent years heads of state like President Obama have spoken here. | |
| But Aung San Suu Kyi is the first person to do so who is not a leader of a country, the first woman from abroad and the first person from Asia. | |
| He says Burma is run by a brutal cabal. | |
| Burma has become "a beautiful but benighted land where fear runs through society like blood running through veins". | |
| Suu Kyi has resisted that. That is why she is here this afternoon. | |
| There is room for "cautious optimism", he says. The election of Suu Kyi to parliament is a sign of reform. We hope there will be more reform, he says. | |
| There is an Asian saying that a journey of a 1,000 miles must start with a single step. | |
| We are proud that one such step is being taken in this parliament today. | |
| Bercow says Suu Kyi is a "conscience for a country" and a heroine. | |
| 3.01pm: John Bercow is speaking. | |
| (We could be here for a while ..) | |
| 2.57pm: Aung San Suu Kyi is about to address both Houses of Parliament in Westminter Hall. | 2.57pm: Aung San Suu Kyi is about to address both Houses of Parliament in Westminter Hall. |
| She's the first woman after the Queen to do so. | She's the first woman after the Queen to do so. |
| 2.41pm: As promised, here is the key quote from Graham Stuart, the Conservative chairman of the Commons education committee, about Michael Gove's plan to scrap GCSEs. He was speaking on the World at One. | 2.41pm: As promised, here is the key quote from Graham Stuart, the Conservative chairman of the Commons education committee, about Michael Gove's plan to scrap GCSEs. He was speaking on the World at One. |
| I'm sceptical that some return to O-levels is going to bring about some transformation. It's only the tiniest number of children at the very top who fail to be differentiated by the current GCSE system. I think there are a lot of questions to ask. Why is the government focussing with things like the Ebacc? We are setting out a policy that appears to be more focussed on the children who we serve relatively well and who internationally we do quite well with, which are the brighter kids, and not focussing on the central problem we have which is doing a better job for the children at the bottom. | I'm sceptical that some return to O-levels is going to bring about some transformation. It's only the tiniest number of children at the very top who fail to be differentiated by the current GCSE system. I think there are a lot of questions to ask. Why is the government focussing with things like the Ebacc? We are setting out a policy that appears to be more focussed on the children who we serve relatively well and who internationally we do quite well with, which are the brighter kids, and not focussing on the central problem we have which is doing a better job for the children at the bottom. |
| Stuart said that in principle he was not opposed to a two-tier exam system. But it would have to be one that delivered for less academic pupils, as well as more academic ones. | Stuart said that in principle he was not opposed to a two-tier exam system. But it would have to be one that delivered for less academic pupils, as well as more academic ones. |
| He also said he was "disappointed" about the way the story had come out in a leak to the Daily Mail. | He also said he was "disappointed" about the way the story had come out in a leak to the Daily Mail. |
| You can listen to the full interview here. | You can listen to the full interview here. |
| Stuart's committee has just finished an inquiry into exams for 15 to 19-year-olds. The report has been agreed but, according to a spokeswoman for the committee, "a decision has been taken that it will not be published while children are still sitting public exams so it is set to appear in early July". | Stuart's committee has just finished an inquiry into exams for 15 to 19-year-olds. The report has been agreed but, according to a spokeswoman for the committee, "a decision has been taken that it will not be published while children are still sitting public exams so it is set to appear in early July". |
| 2.24pm: Turning back to Michael Gove and GCSEs for a moment, the Lib Dem onslaught continues. Tim Farron (pictured), the party president, has just put out this statement. | 2.24pm: Turning back to Michael Gove and GCSEs for a moment, the Lib Dem onslaught continues. Tim Farron (pictured), the party president, has just put out this statement. |
| Returning to a two-tier exam system would be madness. The O-level/CSE system was divisive and dumped less academic young people into a second division from which they couldn't escape, providing a fixed limit on the expectations of those young people who were saddled with having to sit the CSE. I say this with some bitterness and personal experience having a couple of CSE's to my name. | Returning to a two-tier exam system would be madness. The O-level/CSE system was divisive and dumped less academic young people into a second division from which they couldn't escape, providing a fixed limit on the expectations of those young people who were saddled with having to sit the CSE. I say this with some bitterness and personal experience having a couple of CSE's to my name. |
| By all means, lets look at the GCSE and consider reforms – Michael Gove is perfectly within his rights to do that – but lets kill off immediately any talk of returning to the divisive 2-tier system that Mrs Thatcher wisely ended in the late 80s. | By all means, lets look at the GCSE and consider reforms – Michael Gove is perfectly within his rights to do that – but lets kill off immediately any talk of returning to the divisive 2-tier system that Mrs Thatcher wisely ended in the late 80s. |
| 2.14pm: A question from ITN's Tom Bradby. | 2.14pm: A question from ITN's Tom Bradby. |
| Q: What does the rest of the world need to do to help Burma? | Q: What does the rest of the world need to do to help Burma? |
| Suu Kyi says Burma is at "the most difficult" stage. This period will be more difficult than the period before. Now will decide what happens in 2015, and whether Burma makes the breakthrough to democracy. | Suu Kyi says Burma is at "the most difficult" stage. This period will be more difficult than the period before. Now will decide what happens in 2015, and whether Burma makes the breakthrough to democracy. |
| She says she wants Burma's friends to pay attention to what is happening in the country. | She says she wants Burma's friends to pay attention to what is happening in the country. |
| More than ever our friends need to be watchdogs. By our friends, I'm not just referring to the countries of the West, but our neighbours, our regional friends in south Asia. | More than ever our friends need to be watchdogs. By our friends, I'm not just referring to the countries of the West, but our neighbours, our regional friends in south Asia. |
| She says Burma's need is "greater than it has ever been". | She says Burma's need is "greater than it has ever been". |
| Cameron says Suu Kyi has been open about Burma's need for transparent aid, and for trade. Q: Does Cameron think Gary Barlow's tax affairs are morally wrong? And should he give back his OBE? | Cameron says Suu Kyi has been open about Burma's need for transparent aid, and for trade. Q: Does Cameron think Gary Barlow's tax affairs are morally wrong? And should he give back his OBE? |
| Cameron says he is not going to give a running commentary on specific people's tax affairs. He made an exception yesterday for Jimmy Carr because the details had been published and they were "egregious". | Cameron says he is not going to give a running commentary on specific people's tax affairs. He made an exception yesterday for Jimmy Carr because the details had been published and they were "egregious". |
| Some of the aggressive anti-avoidance schemes that may not be illegal are morally questionable. Politicians should go after them. Q: Is it because Barlow is a friend of yours? | Some of the aggressive anti-avoidance schemes that may not be illegal are morally questionable. Politicians should go after them. Q: Is it because Barlow is a friend of yours? |
| No, says Cameron. It's because there were specific details in the public domain about Carr. It is up to the Revenue to investigate individuals. | No, says Cameron. It's because there were specific details in the public domain about Carr. It is up to the Revenue to investigate individuals. |
| 2.12pm: Cameron says it was honour to be able to invite Suu Kyi to the UK. She has been inspirational. She gave up so much. It was an act of huge political selflessness. | 2.12pm: Cameron says it was honour to be able to invite Suu Kyi to the UK. She has been inspirational. She gave up so much. It was an act of huge political selflessness. |
| 2.09pm: Cameron and Suu Kyi are now taking questions. | 2.09pm: Cameron and Suu Kyi are now taking questions. |
| Q: [From the BBC's John Simpson] Is it appropriate to invite President Thein Sein to Britain? | Q: [From the BBC's John Simpson] Is it appropriate to invite President Thein Sein to Britain? |
| Cameron says it is the right decision. There is a process of reform in Burma. Britain has to work with the regime. Cameron says he believes Thein Sein is sincere about the need for reform. | Cameron says it is the right decision. There is a process of reform in Burma. Britain has to work with the regime. Cameron says he believes Thein Sein is sincere about the need for reform. |
| Suu Kyi also says it was right to invite Thein Sein. | Suu Kyi also says it was right to invite Thein Sein. |
| 2.07pm: Aung San Suu Kyi says she wants Burma's future to be in the hands of its people. | 2.07pm: Aung San Suu Kyi says she wants Burma's future to be in the hands of its people. |
| 2.02pm: David Cameron is holding his press conference now. | 2.02pm: David Cameron is holding his press conference now. |
| He says Britain has three priorities for Burma. | He says Britain has three priorities for Burma. |
| First, it will strengthen Burma's democracy. It will invest "people and money" in this. | First, it will strengthen Burma's democracy. It will invest "people and money" in this. |
| Second, it will promote peace. | Second, it will promote peace. |
| Third, it will invest in economic development. | Third, it will invest in economic development. |
| Britain will remain a "resolute friend" to Burma and to Aung San Suu Kyi. | Britain will remain a "resolute friend" to Burma and to Aung San Suu Kyi. |
| 1.49pm: Graham Stuart, the Conservative chairman of the Commons education committee, has grabbed a few nails and joined the Lib Dems in their coffin-hammering attempt to kill Michael Gove's plans to replace GCSEs. He spoke out on the World at One. I will post the full quotes when I get them, but here's a flavour, from Twitter. | 1.49pm: Graham Stuart, the Conservative chairman of the Commons education committee, has grabbed a few nails and joined the Lib Dems in their coffin-hammering attempt to kill Michael Gove's plans to replace GCSEs. He spoke out on the World at One. I will post the full quotes when I get them, but here's a flavour, from Twitter. |
| Tory Graham Stuartcriticises Gove plans for return of O levels #wato as "back to the future..I'm sceptical" | Tory Graham Stuartcriticises Gove plans for return of O levels #wato as "back to the future..I'm sceptical" |
| — norman smith (@BBCNormanS) June 21, 2012 | — norman smith (@BBCNormanS) June 21, 2012 |
| Devastating attack on #govelevels from Tory education comm chairman Graham Stuart: "How will this narrowgap between rich and poor?" #wato | Devastating attack on #govelevels from Tory education comm chairman Graham Stuart: "How will this narrowgap between rich and poor?" #wato |
| — Rob Merrick (@Rob_Merrick) June 21, 2012 | — Rob Merrick (@Rob_Merrick) June 21, 2012 |
| 1.40pm: Here's a lunchtime summary. | 1.40pm: Here's a lunchtime summary. |
| • The Liberal Democrats have indicated that they will seek to block Michael Gove's plan to replace GCSEs with a new O-level-style qualification for more able pupils. A senior party source said that the party was "very, very hostile to something that looks like it is going to return to the two-tier system of the past". And Dan Rogerson, a Lib Dem MP and co-chair of the party's parliamentary committee on education, put out a statement criticising the plan. | • The Liberal Democrats have indicated that they will seek to block Michael Gove's plan to replace GCSEs with a new O-level-style qualification for more able pupils. A senior party source said that the party was "very, very hostile to something that looks like it is going to return to the two-tier system of the past". And Dan Rogerson, a Lib Dem MP and co-chair of the party's parliamentary committee on education, put out a statement criticising the plan. |
| A two-tier system, with all the upheaval and instability this would cause, is not the way to achieve higher standards across the board. | A two-tier system, with all the upheaval and instability this would cause, is not the way to achieve higher standards across the board. |
| Reform needs to be managed carefully and we should avoid creating a huge amount of turbulence and distraction in the education system for no real gain. | Reform needs to be managed carefully and we should avoid creating a huge amount of turbulence and distraction in the education system for no real gain. |
| Rather than harking back to an age when children started their adult life with qualifications that were seen as second rate, we want to look forward and work with teachers and schools to give them the freedom and tools needed to stretch pupils, drive up standards and entrench a culture of high expectations in every school. | Rather than harking back to an age when children started their adult life with qualifications that were seen as second rate, we want to look forward and work with teachers and schools to give them the freedom and tools needed to stretch pupils, drive up standards and entrench a culture of high expectations in every school. |
| Teaching unions have also expressed disbelief at the plans, which were revealed in a story in the Daily Mail based on a leaked document. Responding to an urgent question in the Commons, Gove said that he would be publishing a consultation paper in due course and that England already had a two-tier education system that was failing those at the bottom. But the outright Lib Dem opposition to his plan suggests that he will have difficulty implementing his ambition. | Teaching unions have also expressed disbelief at the plans, which were revealed in a story in the Daily Mail based on a leaked document. Responding to an urgent question in the Commons, Gove said that he would be publishing a consultation paper in due course and that England already had a two-tier education system that was failing those at the bottom. But the outright Lib Dem opposition to his plan suggests that he will have difficulty implementing his ambition. |
| • The comedian Jimmy Carr has issued an apology for his "terrible error of judgment" over using a tax avoidance scheme. As Patrick Wintour and Rajeev Syal report, Carr confirmed that he had changed his tax affairs after the scheme was revealed this week. On Wednesday David Cameron had labelled the situation "morally wrong". In a series of Tweets the comedian said: "I appreciate as a comedian, people will expect me to 'make light' of this situation, but I'm not going to in this statement as this is obviously a serious matter. At business question in the Commons Angela Eagle, the shadow leader of the House, accused Cameron of not being consistent when criticising celebrities for tax avoidance. | • The comedian Jimmy Carr has issued an apology for his "terrible error of judgment" over using a tax avoidance scheme. As Patrick Wintour and Rajeev Syal report, Carr confirmed that he had changed his tax affairs after the scheme was revealed this week. On Wednesday David Cameron had labelled the situation "morally wrong". In a series of Tweets the comedian said: "I appreciate as a comedian, people will expect me to 'make light' of this situation, but I'm not going to in this statement as this is obviously a serious matter. At business question in the Commons Angela Eagle, the shadow leader of the House, accused Cameron of not being consistent when criticising celebrities for tax avoidance. |
| Oddly he did not take the opportunity to condemn as morally repugnant the tax avoidance scheme used by Conservative supporter Gary Barlow, who has given a whole new meaning to the phrase 'take that'. If he is also morally repugnant, why is he just been given an OBE in the Birthday Honours? | Oddly he did not take the opportunity to condemn as morally repugnant the tax avoidance scheme used by Conservative supporter Gary Barlow, who has given a whole new meaning to the phrase 'take that'. If he is also morally repugnant, why is he just been given an OBE in the Birthday Honours? |
| • Andrew Lansley has pleaded with doctors and medics not to take industrial action as protests began over changes to their pensions that they regard both as unfair and unnecessary. | • Andrew Lansley has pleaded with doctors and medics not to take industrial action as protests began over changes to their pensions that they regard both as unfair and unnecessary. |
| • Nick Clegg has given a speech at the Rio+20 summit saying Britain is playing a leading role in encouraging countries to measure their wealth not just in terms of GDP. | • Nick Clegg has given a speech at the Rio+20 summit saying Britain is playing a leading role in encouraging countries to measure their wealth not just in terms of GDP. |
| We are working with our statistical authorities in the United Kingdom to develop a more, a richer more multi-dimensional statistical assessment of our, of our well-being and why we are such enthusiastic supporters providing £3m's worth of support to the World Bank's Waves initiative which is designed explicitly to help other countries develop their own means of measuring not only growth in the narrow snapshot sense of the word, but also the resources upon which we all depend ... | We are working with our statistical authorities in the United Kingdom to develop a more, a richer more multi-dimensional statistical assessment of our, of our well-being and why we are such enthusiastic supporters providing £3m's worth of support to the World Bank's Waves initiative which is designed explicitly to help other countries develop their own means of measuring not only growth in the narrow snapshot sense of the word, but also the resources upon which we all depend ... |
| If we succeed and build on what they have done, we will look back in my view on this event as an extremely important one indeed because if in ten, fifteen, twenty years' time we no longer assess our wealth and our prosperity in the narrow snapshot terms of GDP alone, but give people a clear, easily understood measurement of our long term prosperity and sustainability upon which we, with which we use our resources, I think we can genuinely start changing things for good. | If we succeed and build on what they have done, we will look back in my view on this event as an extremely important one indeed because if in ten, fifteen, twenty years' time we no longer assess our wealth and our prosperity in the narrow snapshot terms of GDP alone, but give people a clear, easily understood measurement of our long term prosperity and sustainability upon which we, with which we use our resources, I think we can genuinely start changing things for good. |
| • Campaigners fighting the government's plans for Lords reform have said the proposals could cost more than £484m by 2020. "At a time of national austerity, it is hard to imagine how anyone could justify spending nearly £500m of taxpayers' money on what would be an unprecedented constitutional upheaval," said the Tory MP Jesse Norman on behalf of the Campaign for an Effective Second Chamber. | • Campaigners fighting the government's plans for Lords reform have said the proposals could cost more than £484m by 2020. "At a time of national austerity, it is hard to imagine how anyone could justify spending nearly £500m of taxpayers' money on what would be an unprecedented constitutional upheaval," said the Tory MP Jesse Norman on behalf of the Campaign for an Effective Second Chamber. |
| • Downing Street has played down the claim by Sir Jeremy Heywood, the cabinet secetary, saying Britain could be facing a decade of spending cuts. As the Press Association reports, speaking to civil servants in Westminster last night, Heywood warned that spending restraint could last "seven, eight, maybe 10 years". A No 10 spokeswoman said his "off-the-cuff remarks" referred to the future shape of the civil service and were fully in line with government policy. "He was talking very much in the context of Civil Service reform," the spokeswoman said. "He was not trying to predict what spending down the track might look like. Sir Jeremy was being off the cuff. He was not setting out a different policy." • William Hague, the foreign secretary, has described the Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi as "a symbol of hope" ahead of address to both Houses of Parliament this afternoon. Downing Street has also confirmed that President Thein Sein, the Burmese leader, has been invited to visit Britain. | • Downing Street has played down the claim by Sir Jeremy Heywood, the cabinet secetary, saying Britain could be facing a decade of spending cuts. As the Press Association reports, speaking to civil servants in Westminster last night, Heywood warned that spending restraint could last "seven, eight, maybe 10 years". A No 10 spokeswoman said his "off-the-cuff remarks" referred to the future shape of the civil service and were fully in line with government policy. "He was talking very much in the context of Civil Service reform," the spokeswoman said. "He was not trying to predict what spending down the track might look like. Sir Jeremy was being off the cuff. He was not setting out a different policy." • William Hague, the foreign secretary, has described the Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi as "a symbol of hope" ahead of address to both Houses of Parliament this afternoon. Downing Street has also confirmed that President Thein Sein, the Burmese leader, has been invited to visit Britain. |
| • MPs have been told that the final cost of last year's referendum on the alternative vote was £75m. The figure was disclosed by Gary Streeter, who answers questions in the Commons on behalf of the Speaker's committee on the Electoral Commission, | • MPs have been told that the final cost of last year's referendum on the alternative vote was £75m. The figure was disclosed by Gary Streeter, who answers questions in the Commons on behalf of the Speaker's committee on the Electoral Commission, |
| 1.01pm: My colleague Nicholas Watt is using his Twitter feed to report more Lib Dem reaction to Michael Gove's plan to scrap GSCEs. | 1.01pm: My colleague Nicholas Watt is using his Twitter feed to report more Lib Dem reaction to Michael Gove's plan to scrap GSCEs. |
Nick Clegg will reject Michael Gove's plans to scrap GCSEs which were not briefed to any Lib Dems – snr party source | Nick Clegg will reject Michael Gove's plans to scrap GCSEs which were not briefed to any Lib Dems – snr party source |
| Michael Gove's exam plans 'look like an attempt to bounce' Lib Dems. Doubt if plans known outside his private office – snr party source | Michael Gove's exam plans 'look like an attempt to bounce' Lib Dems. Doubt if plans known outside his private office – snr party source |
| Nick Clegg + Lib Dem educ minister Sarah Teather furious no briefing from Gove. 'We've been scrabbling around in the dark' - source | Nick Clegg + Lib Dem educ minister Sarah Teather furious no briefing from Gove. 'We've been scrabbling around in the dark' - source |
| 12.31pm: Sky's Sophy Ridge has posted this on Twitter. | 12.31pm: Sky's Sophy Ridge has posted this on Twitter. |
| Senior LibDem:"Nick Clegg thinks we should be raising expectation for all children not returning to a two tier system that let down so many" | Senior LibDem:"Nick Clegg thinks we should be raising expectation for all children not returning to a two tier system that let down so many" |
| — Sophy Ridge (@SophyRidgeSky) June 21, 2012 | — Sophy Ridge (@SophyRidgeSky) June 21, 2012 |
| 11.49am: Here is a summary of the key points on Michael Gove's statement. | 11.49am: Here is a summary of the key points on Michael Gove's statement. |
| • Gove said that he would soon be publishing a consultation paper on reforming the examination system in England. He refused to comment on any of the details in the story about the government's plans in the Daily Mail, which says pupils will start studying for the new O-level-style qualifications from September 2014. But he said the government would proceed carefully. | • Gove said that he would soon be publishing a consultation paper on reforming the examination system in England. He refused to comment on any of the details in the story about the government's plans in the Daily Mail, which says pupils will start studying for the new O-level-style qualifications from September 2014. But he said the government would proceed carefully. |
These are inevitably challenging ambitions which will require careful implementation. That is why we wish the conversation about how we raise standards to be broad and inclusive. | These are inevitably challenging ambitions which will require careful implementation. That is why we wish the conversation about how we raise standards to be broad and inclusive. |
| • He claimed the current examination system was flawed. | • He claimed the current examination system was flawed. |
Heads have told us that the current league table system incentivises weak schools to push students towards soft subjects and easier exams. Parents and students have told us that there are weaknesses with current GCSEs, which privilege bite-sized learning over deep understanding, gobbets of knowledge over real learning. | Heads have told us that the current league table system incentivises weak schools to push students towards soft subjects and easier exams. Parents and students have told us that there are weaknesses with current GCSEs, which privilege bite-sized learning over deep understanding, gobbets of knowledge over real learning. |
| • He said that having competition in the setting of exams had not worked. | • He said that having competition in the setting of exams had not worked. |
| We want to tackle the culture of competitive dumbing-down, by making sure that exam boards cannot compete with each other on the basis of how easy their exams are. | We want to tackle the culture of competitive dumbing-down, by making sure that exam boards cannot compete with each other on the basis of how easy their exams are. |
| • He said that he wanted pupils to be able to take exams that were more rigorous than GCSEs. | • He said that he wanted pupils to be able to take exams that were more rigorous than GCSEs. |
We would like to see every student in this country able to take world class qualifications, like the rigorous and respected exams which are taken, for example, by Singapore's students. | We would like to see every student in this country able to take world class qualifications, like the rigorous and respected exams which are taken, for example, by Singapore's students. |
| • He said that under Labour, although exam results had improved, England had fallen behind in international league tables. | • He said that under Labour, although exam results had improved, England had fallen behind in international league tables. |
| While there were undoubtedly improvements in our schools and by our teachers over the course of the last 20 years, those improvements were not sufficient to ensure that we kept pace with other jurisdictions ... | While there were undoubtedly improvements in our schools and by our teachers over the course of the last 20 years, those improvements were not sufficient to ensure that we kept pace with other jurisdictions ... |
| The sad truth is that if we look at the objective measure of how we did over the last 10 or 15 years, in reading our score in international league tables fell from 523 to 494; in maths from 529 to 492; and in science from 528 to 514. Every objective academic study of what has happened in our education system has drawn attention to the weakness of our qualifications. | The sad truth is that if we look at the objective measure of how we did over the last 10 or 15 years, in reading our score in international league tables fell from 523 to 494; in maths from 529 to 492; and in science from 528 to 514. Every objective academic study of what has happened in our education system has drawn attention to the weakness of our qualifications. |
| • He rejected claims that his plans would create a two tier education system. That was because a two-tier system already existed, he said. | • He rejected claims that his plans would create a two tier education system. That was because a two-tier system already existed, he said. |
| The sad truth is that we already have a two-tier system in education in this country. Some of our most impressive schools have already left the GCSE behind and have opted for the IGCSE or other more rigorous examinations. And it is also the case, sadly, that 40% of children do not include five good GCSEs including English and Maths. | The sad truth is that we already have a two-tier system in education in this country. Some of our most impressive schools have already left the GCSE behind and have opted for the IGCSE or other more rigorous examinations. And it is also the case, sadly, that 40% of children do not include five good GCSEs including English and Maths. |
| [Kevin Brennan, the shadow education minister] said that under the proposals that are being reported that 25% of children would be left behind. The sad truth is that at least 40% of children have been left behind under the current system that we have. | [Kevin Brennan, the shadow education minister] said that under the proposals that are being reported that 25% of children would be left behind. The sad truth is that at least 40% of children have been left behind under the current system that we have. |
• He rejected the claim made by Chris Cook, the FT's education correspondent, that his plans would lead to the creation of a new qualification for poor children. Gove said he had read the blog Cook posted this morning. | • He rejected the claim made by Chris Cook, the FT's education correspondent, that his plans would lead to the creation of a new qualification for poor children. Gove said he had read the blog Cook posted this morning. |
| I think that it suffers from one thing. It itself is a prisoner of the culture of low aspiration that we have tackled. | I think that it suffers from one thing. It itself is a prisoner of the culture of low aspiration that we have tackled. |
| • He said England's education system was "one of the most inequitable, one of the most stratified and segregated" in the world. | • He said England's education system was "one of the most inequitable, one of the most stratified and segregated" in the world. |
| • He rejected claims that he wanted to take England back to the 1950s. | • He rejected claims that he wanted to take England back to the 1950s. |
| What we want to do is not to look backwards, but outwards. We want to ask ourselves why is it that there are other countries that have stronger exam systems and that also make opportunity more equal. Why is it the case that in countries like Singapore and Hong Kong, in Canada, Australia and New Zealand that they both manage to have a higher level of absolute attainment and a more equal society and a more equal education system. That is what we want to achieve. | What we want to do is not to look backwards, but outwards. We want to ask ourselves why is it that there are other countries that have stronger exam systems and that also make opportunity more equal. Why is it the case that in countries like Singapore and Hong Kong, in Canada, Australia and New Zealand that they both manage to have a higher level of absolute attainment and a more equal society and a more equal education system. That is what we want to achieve. |
| • He said he was a "Blairite" in terms of political philosophy. He believed in what worked, he explained. | • He said he was a "Blairite" in terms of political philosophy. He believed in what worked, he explained. |
| 11.34am: So, what have we learnt from Gove's response to the urgent question about his plan to scrap GCSEs? | 11.34am: So, what have we learnt from Gove's response to the urgent question about his plan to scrap GCSEs? |
| When ministers have to answer questions about leaked stories about their intentions, they can do one of two things: play it all down, and suggest the newspaper has exaggerated a proposal that hasn't yet got off the drawing board; or defend it robustly, as if it is already policy. Gove adopted the second tactic. Earlier, having seen the way large chunks of the education establishment (include HMC, which represents independent schools), I thought Gove might be tempted to have second thoughts. I was wrong. | When ministers have to answer questions about leaked stories about their intentions, they can do one of two things: play it all down, and suggest the newspaper has exaggerated a proposal that hasn't yet got off the drawing board; or defend it robustly, as if it is already policy. Gove adopted the second tactic. Earlier, having seen the way large chunks of the education establishment (include HMC, which represents independent schools), I thought Gove might be tempted to have second thoughts. I was wrong. |
| That said, Gove said virtually nothing about what his plans actually. You will learn more reading the Daily Mail. All he actually told MPs was that he wanted to raise standards and that he would be publishing a consultation paper shortly. | That said, Gove said virtually nothing about what his plans actually. You will learn more reading the Daily Mail. All he actually told MPs was that he wanted to raise standards and that he would be publishing a consultation paper shortly. |
| So we did not get any detail at all? But we got some indication as to his direction of travel. I'll post a proper summary shortly. | So we did not get any detail at all? But we got some indication as to his direction of travel. I'll post a proper summary shortly. |
| 11.30am: The Gove statement is over. | 11.30am: The Gove statement is over. |
| 11.29am: Labour's Diana Johnson asks Gove to look at Finland, which leads tables of education standards. | 11.29am: Labour's Diana Johnson asks Gove to look at Finland, which leads tables of education standards. |
| Gove says he has looked at Finland. They attract and retain the very best teachers, he says. | Gove says he has looked at Finland. They attract and retain the very best teachers, he says. |
| 11.28am: Labour's Alison Seabeck asks Gove if he thinks that people who can't achieve will go to the wall. | 11.28am: Labour's Alison Seabeck asks Gove if he thinks that people who can't achieve will go to the wall. |
| Gove says competition can raise standards. But poorly designed competition can lead to a race to the bottom. | Gove says competition can raise standards. But poorly designed competition can lead to a race to the bottom. |
| 11.27am: Tessa Munt, a Lib Dem MP, says having a single examining board would make things easier for children like those from service families who move around. | 11.27am: Tessa Munt, a Lib Dem MP, says having a single examining board would make things easier for children like those from service families who move around. |
| Gove says this is a good point. | Gove says this is a good point. |
| 11.26am: Labour's Richard Burden asks if Gove is going to re-introduce CSEs. Won't that stigmatise children? | 11.26am: Labour's Richard Burden asks if Gove is going to re-introduce CSEs. Won't that stigmatise children? |
| Gove says this is a fair point. He is not saying more now because the Department of Education is still considering this. There should be a collective national conversation, he says. He wants to avoid dumbing down, and learn from the best examples in the world. | Gove says this is a fair point. He is not saying more now because the Department of Education is still considering this. There should be a collective national conversation, he says. He wants to avoid dumbing down, and learn from the best examples in the world. |
| 11.24am: Labour's Angela Smith says Gove's plan could take England back to the 1950s. | 11.24am: Labour's Angela Smith says Gove's plan could take England back to the 1950s. |
| Gove says that's wrong. Countries like Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia have higher standards and more social aspiration, he says. | Gove says that's wrong. Countries like Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia have higher standards and more social aspiration, he says. |
| 11.23am: Gove says he wants children to receive a 21st-century education. That means "additional rigour". | 11.23am: Gove says he wants children to receive a 21st-century education. That means "additional rigour". |
| 11.22am: Labour's David Wright says the introduction of GCSEs was a "progressive, Thatcherite" policy. Can Gove ensure that his plans will not result in pupils being left behind? | 11.22am: Labour's David Wright says the introduction of GCSEs was a "progressive, Thatcherite" policy. Can Gove ensure that his plans will not result in pupils being left behind? |
| Gove says in ideological matters he is a Blairite. He believes in what works. | Gove says in ideological matters he is a Blairite. He believes in what works. |
| 11.21am: Amber Rudd, a Conservative, asks Gove to ensure that he works with the Russell Group of universities. | 11.21am: Amber Rudd, a Conservative, asks Gove to ensure that he works with the Russell Group of universities. |
| Gove agrees. | Gove agrees. |
| 11.19am: Philip Davies says the introduction of GCSEs led to standards being watered down. Now having 10 GCSEs can be meaningless. | 11.19am: Philip Davies says the introduction of GCSEs led to standards being watered down. Now having 10 GCSEs can be meaningless. |
| Gove says employers have a "lack of confidence" in the qualifications. | Gove says employers have a "lack of confidence" in the qualifications. |
| Pupils are being let down as a result, he says. He thinks teaching is as good as ever. And pupils are working harder than they have worked before. But the qualifications need to be changed. | Pupils are being let down as a result, he says. He thinks teaching is as good as ever. And pupils are working harder than they have worked before. But the qualifications need to be changed. |
| 11.19am: Labour's Julie Hilling says CSEs had little value. How can Gove be sure they will have value in the future? | 11.19am: Labour's Julie Hilling says CSEs had little value. How can Gove be sure they will have value in the future? |
| Gove says employers do not have faith in D and E passes at GCSE. | Gove says employers do not have faith in D and E passes at GCSE. |
| 11.17am: Peter Lilley, a Conservative, says the British education system has failed to produce enough people with technical qualifications. Will Gove's reforms tackle that? | 11.17am: Peter Lilley, a Conservative, says the British education system has failed to produce enough people with technical qualifications. Will Gove's reforms tackle that? |
| Gove says he agrees. Technical education has been weak since 1851. (What happened then?) | Gove says he agrees. Technical education has been weak since 1851. (What happened then?) |
| 11.15am: Labour's Pat McFadden asks Gove about the Chris Cook analysis in the FT. (See 9.54am.) | 11.15am: Labour's Pat McFadden asks Gove about the Chris Cook analysis in the FT. (See 9.54am.) |
| Gove says the government needs to tackle the culture of low aspiration. Any reform of the examination system would need to ensure that it did not place a cap on aspiration. | Gove says the government needs to tackle the culture of low aspiration. Any reform of the examination system would need to ensure that it did not place a cap on aspiration. |
| He says he has read the Cook piece. He thinks Cook is a prisoner of low aspiration. | He says he has read the Cook piece. He thinks Cook is a prisoner of low aspiration. |
| 11.14am: Dan Rogerson, a Lib Dem MP, says he is "very concerned" that a two-tier system would stop less-able pupils achieving above a certain level. | 11.14am: Dan Rogerson, a Lib Dem MP, says he is "very concerned" that a two-tier system would stop less-able pupils achieving above a certain level. |
| Gove says there should be no cap on aspiration. Pupils could take the harder exams at a later stage, he says. | Gove says there should be no cap on aspiration. Pupils could take the harder exams at a later stage, he says. |
| 11.14am: Labour's Frank Field says Gove should focus on the foundation years. Gove says the government is doing this already. | 11.14am: Labour's Frank Field says Gove should focus on the foundation years. Gove says the government is doing this already. |
| 11.12am: Elizabeth Truss, a Conservative, welcomes the idea of having a single examining board. There has been a "race to the bottom", she says. | 11.12am: Elizabeth Truss, a Conservative, welcomes the idea of having a single examining board. There has been a "race to the bottom", she says. |
| Gove says Conor Ryan, a former Labour education adviser, said this morning that having a single examinations board was a good idea. | Gove says Conor Ryan, a former Labour education adviser, said this morning that having a single examinations board was a good idea. |
| 11.12am: Labour's David Blunkett asks why Margaret Thatcher scrapped O-levels. | 11.12am: Labour's David Blunkett asks why Margaret Thatcher scrapped O-levels. |
| Gove says "wrong turnings" were taken under Labour. One involved "a race to the bottom". | Gove says "wrong turnings" were taken under Labour. One involved "a race to the bottom". |
| 11.11am: Graham Stuart, the Conservative chairman of the education committee, says he welcomes rigour. But how will these plans improve the outcomes for the poorest children? | 11.11am: Graham Stuart, the Conservative chairman of the education committee, says he welcomes rigour. But how will these plans improve the outcomes for the poorest children? |
| Gove says this is an important point. England's system is one of the most inequitable in the world. Gove says he wants to raise expectations. | Gove says this is an important point. England's system is one of the most inequitable in the world. Gove says he wants to raise expectations. |
| 11.08am: Gove is responding. | 11.08am: Gove is responding. |
| Brennan said the plan would create a two-tier system. But we already have a two-tier system. At least 40% of children are already left behind. There is no excuse not to act. | Brennan said the plan would create a two-tier system. But we already have a two-tier system. At least 40% of children are already left behind. There is no excuse not to act. |
| This is not an attempt to move backwards, he says. | This is not an attempt to move backwards, he says. |
| It is an attempt to ensure England keeps up with the best in the world. | It is an attempt to ensure England keeps up with the best in the world. |
| The "sad truth" is that the objective measures of performance shows England falling down international league tables in reading, maths and science. | The "sad truth" is that the objective measures of performance shows England falling down international league tables in reading, maths and science. |
| The next generation deserve a world-class education, he says. | The next generation deserve a world-class education, he says. |
| 11.04am: Labour's Kevin Brennan says Stephen Twigg, the shadow education secretary, says he is not here because he is involved in an important meeting about the murder of a constituent. | 11.04am: Labour's Kevin Brennan says Stephen Twigg, the shadow education secretary, says he is not here because he is involved in an important meeting about the murder of a constituent. |
| Brennan says the Gove plan would take pupils "back to the future". | Brennan says the Gove plan would take pupils "back to the future". |
| Labour wants higher literacy and numeracy standards. But the key to that is to lift teaching standards. At best, the Gove plan would be a "distraction". Only 30% of pupils got a good GCSE in 1997. In 2010 it was more than half. | Labour wants higher literacy and numeracy standards. But the key to that is to lift teaching standards. At best, the Gove plan would be a "distraction". Only 30% of pupils got a good GCSE in 1997. In 2010 it was more than half. |
| A return to the CSE would involve writing off children, he says. | A return to the CSE would involve writing off children, he says. |
| He suggests this is a "softening up exercise to disguise a fall in attainment". | He suggests this is a "softening up exercise to disguise a fall in attainment". |
| What is the evidence that this will actually work? | What is the evidence that this will actually work? |
| 11.00am: Michael Gove is responding to the statement now. | 11.00am: Michael Gove is responding to the statement now. |
| He says the coaliton wants to raise standards in schools. | He says the coaliton wants to raise standards in schools. |
| It has already taken steps to make the primary curriculum more rigorous. | It has already taken steps to make the primary curriculum more rigorous. |
| Draft programmes for study are out now, he says. | Draft programmes for study are out now, he says. |
| The government inherited a situation where too many primary school pupils left primary school unable to read and write properly. That was a crime against social mobility. | The government inherited a situation where too many primary school pupils left primary school unable to read and write properly. That was a crime against social mobility. |
| At secondary level, the government has also made teaching more rigorous. | At secondary level, the government has also made teaching more rigorous. |
| But the government has been told that it needs to go futher. Falling standards in schools are not a laughing matter. | But the government has been told that it needs to go futher. Falling standards in schools are not a laughing matter. |
| The current system encourages pupils to take easy exams. | The current system encourages pupils to take easy exams. |
| Academics say improvement in exam results have not been matched by improvements in understanding. | Academics say improvement in exam results have not been matched by improvements in understanding. |
| The government has been looking at this and will publish a consultation paper shortly. It wants pupils to be able to take world-class exams. Singapore is a model. | The government has been looking at this and will publish a consultation paper shortly. It wants pupils to be able to take world-class exams. Singapore is a model. |
| These plans will require careful implementaion. | These plans will require careful implementaion. |
| Gove says he wants a broad conversation. But he wants a clear outcome: a system where children are required to do more. | Gove says he wants a broad conversation. But he wants a clear outcome: a system where children are required to do more. |
| 10.55am: The urgent question in the Commons on Michael Gove's plan to scrap GCSEs is starting in five minutes. I'll be covering it in detail. | 10.55am: The urgent question in the Commons on Michael Gove's plan to scrap GCSEs is starting in five minutes. I'll be covering it in detail. |
| 10.51am: You can read all today's Guardian politics stories here. And all the politics stories filed yesterday, including some in today's paper, are here. | 10.51am: You can read all today's Guardian politics stories here. And all the politics stories filed yesterday, including some in today's paper, are here. |
| • Peter Oborne in the Daily Telegraph says David Cameron should move George Osborne and make him Conservative chairman. | • Peter Oborne in the Daily Telegraph says David Cameron should move George Osborne and make him Conservative chairman. |
| Mr Osborne is a talented courtier and has made himself personally indispensable to every Conservative leader since John Major. This makes him an interesting and instructively paradoxical politician. Embedded in the Westminster village since leaving university, the Chancellor has an unusually sophisticated understanding of the art of politics for a man who is only 41 years old, matched by jaw-dropping naivety about everything else. | Mr Osborne is a talented courtier and has made himself personally indispensable to every Conservative leader since John Major. This makes him an interesting and instructively paradoxical politician. Embedded in the Westminster village since leaving university, the Chancellor has an unusually sophisticated understanding of the art of politics for a man who is only 41 years old, matched by jaw-dropping naivety about everything else. |
| He carries out two extraordinarily important jobs. He is at the same time the real Conservative Party chairman and the Chancellor. Arguably, he carries out three roles, because Mr Osborne is also the Prime Minister's primary confidante and adviser ... | He carries out two extraordinarily important jobs. He is at the same time the real Conservative Party chairman and the Chancellor. Arguably, he carries out three roles, because Mr Osborne is also the Prime Minister's primary confidante and adviser ... |
| Probably the best solution would be to make an honest man of the Chancellor, and send him to Central Office with his ally Stephen Gilbert with a brief to win the next election. Philip Hammond in that case would make a natural successor, and probably an improvement. What is beyond doubt is that Mr Osborne must be forced to make a choice. | Probably the best solution would be to make an honest man of the Chancellor, and send him to Central Office with his ally Stephen Gilbert with a brief to win the next election. Philip Hammond in that case would make a natural successor, and probably an improvement. What is beyond doubt is that Mr Osborne must be forced to make a choice. |
| Tony Blair regrets bitterly to this day that he never shifted Gordon Brown out of the Treasury. David Cameron now faces a comparable decision. It remains to be seen whether he has the wisdom, the insight or the stomach to make the right decision. | Tony Blair regrets bitterly to this day that he never shifted Gordon Brown out of the Treasury. David Cameron now faces a comparable decision. It remains to be seen whether he has the wisdom, the insight or the stomach to make the right decision. |
| • Yvette Cooper in the Times (paywall) says Labour made mistakes on immigration. | • Yvette Cooper in the Times (paywall) says Labour made mistakes on immigration. |
| This isn't the easiest subject for the Labour Party. In government we didn't do enough to address people's concerns on immigration. By the election, we had lost the argument — people felt that the system was unfair and politicians weren't listening.We need to change. | This isn't the easiest subject for the Labour Party. In government we didn't do enough to address people's concerns on immigration. By the election, we had lost the argument — people felt that the system was unfair and politicians weren't listening.We need to change. |
| Migration policy matters immensely to the public and to our economy. Low public trust undermines cohesion and democracy. All political parties need to work harder to get it right, and this week Ed Miliband will set out Labour's new approach. | Migration policy matters immensely to the public and to our economy. Low public trust undermines cohesion and democracy. All political parties need to work harder to get it right, and this week Ed Miliband will set out Labour's new approach. |
| Rapidly rising global travel and trade increased migration into the world's major economies by around 70 per cent in a decade. That demands stronger controls to maintain confidence and keep the system fair, alongside wider action on the causes and consequences of immigration. For example, we should have brought the points-based system in earlier to restrict low-skilled migration. And we should have adopted transitional controls for Eastern Europe. | Rapidly rising global travel and trade increased migration into the world's major economies by around 70 per cent in a decade. That demands stronger controls to maintain confidence and keep the system fair, alongside wider action on the causes and consequences of immigration. For example, we should have brought the points-based system in earlier to restrict low-skilled migration. And we should have adopted transitional controls for Eastern Europe. |
| Immigration brings pressures and anxieties as well as important economic and cultural benefits. Yet Labour wasn't discussing the impact people felt in their lives. Nor did we look at the unequal consequences — who benefited and who lost out. We've heard that message loud and clear, and Labour needs to change as a result. | Immigration brings pressures and anxieties as well as important economic and cultural benefits. Yet Labour wasn't discussing the impact people felt in their lives. Nor did we look at the unequal consequences — who benefited and who lost out. We've heard that message loud and clear, and Labour needs to change as a result. |
| • Melanie Newman and Oliver Wright in the Independent says some bishops are claiming up to £27,000 a year to attend the House of Lords, on top of their annual stipends, while others are claiming nothing. | • Melanie Newman and Oliver Wright in the Independent says some bishops are claiming up to £27,000 a year to attend the House of Lords, on top of their annual stipends, while others are claiming nothing. |
| Bishops are claiming up to £27,000 a year in fixed-rate allowances to attend sessions of the House of Lords on top of their travel costs. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism and The Independent has found that some bishops are claiming up to the maximum fixed allowance for attending sessions in the second chamber while having full-time jobs in their dioceses. Others attend sessions in the House without making any claim on the public purse. | Bishops are claiming up to £27,000 a year in fixed-rate allowances to attend sessions of the House of Lords on top of their travel costs. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism and The Independent has found that some bishops are claiming up to the maximum fixed allowance for attending sessions in the second chamber while having full-time jobs in their dioceses. Others attend sessions in the House without making any claim on the public purse. |
| 10.20am: Here's some more reaction to Michael Gove's plan to scrap GCSEs. | 10.20am: Here's some more reaction to Michael Gove's plan to scrap GCSEs. |
| From Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union | From Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union |
| This appears to be yet another example of the secretary of state's ambition to create a two-tier education system. Thousands of young people will be taking their GCSEs today and, at a time when they need a confidence boost, they are being told by the secretary of state that the examinations they are taking are worthless. | This appears to be yet another example of the secretary of state's ambition to create a two-tier education system. Thousands of young people will be taking their GCSEs today and, at a time when they need a confidence boost, they are being told by the secretary of state that the examinations they are taking are worthless. |
| The timing for the proposed changes, 2014, the eve of a general election, is interesting. Could it be that the secretary of state is not confident that his education reforms will raise standards and is, therefore, is seeking to cover his tracks by removing anything that can provide a year-on-year comparator? | The timing for the proposed changes, 2014, the eve of a general election, is interesting. Could it be that the secretary of state is not confident that his education reforms will raise standards and is, therefore, is seeking to cover his tracks by removing anything that can provide a year-on-year comparator? |
| There is no evidence that the current system is broken, that examinations are getting easier or that our qualifications are trailing behind the best in the world. | There is no evidence that the current system is broken, that examinations are getting easier or that our qualifications are trailing behind the best in the world. |
| Michael Gove's arrogance is breathtaking. Not only is he upsetting thousands of young people, parents and teachers but he is also consigning Margaret Thatcher's historic education reforms to the dustbin of history. | Michael Gove's arrogance is breathtaking. Not only is he upsetting thousands of young people, parents and teachers but he is also consigning Margaret Thatcher's historic education reforms to the dustbin of history. |
| From Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) | From Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) |
| O-levels were an examination that existed for a small proportion of the population, that was part of the preparation for university. It was an academic qualification, and at the time when O-levels existed vast numbers of young people left either with no qualifications or ones that employers regarded as inferior. | O-levels were an examination that existed for a small proportion of the population, that was part of the preparation for university. It was an academic qualification, and at the time when O-levels existed vast numbers of young people left either with no qualifications or ones that employers regarded as inferior. |
| The last thing we want to do, when we are ambitious for our education service, is to create a two-tier system. It does risk labelling teenagers as failures. | The last thing we want to do, when we are ambitious for our education service, is to create a two-tier system. It does risk labelling teenagers as failures. |
| In recent years we have done a lot to motivate children, to improve attendance, reduced disengagement and truancy, and this is key to the very real improvements that have taken place in schools. | In recent years we have done a lot to motivate children, to improve attendance, reduced disengagement and truancy, and this is key to the very real improvements that have taken place in schools. |
| [The plans are] a massive risk to the well-being of students. | [The plans are] a massive risk to the well-being of students. |
From Russell Hobby, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT). | From Russell Hobby, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT). |
| The return to a two-tier system, CSEs and O-levels, implicitly labels some children as less capable ... The idea this once worked is a myth. | The return to a two-tier system, CSEs and O-levels, implicitly labels some children as less capable ... The idea this once worked is a myth. |
| From the Times's Greg Hurst | From the Times's Greg Hurst |
| Blimey HMC comment: 'Knee-jerk return to nostalgic golden age of O levels run by a state monopoly examination board naïve, will suit nobody' | Blimey HMC comment: 'Knee-jerk return to nostalgic golden age of O levels run by a state monopoly examination board naïve, will suit nobody' |
| — Greg Hurst (@GregHurstTimes) June 21, 2012 | — Greg Hurst (@GregHurstTimes) June 21, 2012 |
| HMC is the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, which represents indendent schools. | HMC is the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, which represents indendent schools. |
| 10.16am: Cabinet ministers are not planning to release details of their tax affairs any time soon, according to the Press Association. They've just filed this. | 10.16am: Cabinet ministers are not planning to release details of their tax affairs any time soon, according to the Press Association. They've just filed this. |
David Cameron and senior ministers are not planning to disclose their tax returns in the "very near future", Downing Street indicated today. The prime minister said in April that he expected information about his finances to become public, and was relaxed about the prospect. The comment came amid controversy over the decision to cut the 50p top tax rate, and after London mayoral candidates released their records. But a Number 10 aide said this morning that the proposal is still being "looked into". Ministers are "not closed to the idea", but it is "not a very near-future thing", the aide added. | David Cameron and senior ministers are not planning to disclose their tax returns in the "very near future", Downing Street indicated today. The prime minister said in April that he expected information about his finances to become public, and was relaxed about the prospect. The comment came amid controversy over the decision to cut the 50p top tax rate, and after London mayoral candidates released their records. But a Number 10 aide said this morning that the proposal is still being "looked into". Ministers are "not closed to the idea", but it is "not a very near-future thing", the aide added. |
| 10.10am: The BBC's Ross Hawkins has posted this on Twitter. | 10.10am: The BBC's Ross Hawkins has posted this on Twitter. |
| There will be an urgent question on O-Levels 1100 in Commons from Shadow Education Minister Kevin Brennan. | There will be an urgent question on O-Levels 1100 in Commons from Shadow Education Minister Kevin Brennan. |
| — Ross Hawkins (@rosschawkins) June 21, 2012 | — Ross Hawkins (@rosschawkins) June 21, 2012 |
| 9.54am: The Financial Times's Chris Cook has posted an excellent analysis of Michael Gove's plan to scrap GSCEs on an FT blog. Here's an extract. | 9.54am: The Financial Times's Chris Cook has posted an excellent analysis of Michael Gove's plan to scrap GSCEs on an FT blog. Here's an extract. |
| The most significant issues around this idea are related to social mobility: the CSE [the easier alternative to the new O-level proposed by Gove] will tend to be an exam for poorer children. Consider who would take the CSE if schools could select the quarter of pupils with the lowest average grades with perfect foresight ... | The most significant issues around this idea are related to social mobility: the CSE [the easier alternative to the new O-level proposed by Gove] will tend to be an exam for poorer children. Consider who would take the CSE if schools could select the quarter of pupils with the lowest average grades with perfect foresight ... |
| This matters: one would expect it to lower aspirations among children put onto the CSE track – which would presumably happen at the age of 14. If a child gets moved onto the scheme who otherwise would be aiming for a C at GCSE, they may just stop trying. | This matters: one would expect it to lower aspirations among children put onto the CSE track – which would presumably happen at the age of 14. If a child gets moved onto the scheme who otherwise would be aiming for a C at GCSE, they may just stop trying. |
| This could happen, to an extent, when pupils only sit the so-called "foundation papers" for GCSEs now. But children taking such papers can still get a C at GCSE, and they do not have a qualification on their CV which suggests to employers that teachers thought they were low-ability. | This could happen, to an extent, when pupils only sit the so-called "foundation papers" for GCSEs now. But children taking such papers can still get a C at GCSE, and they do not have a qualification on their CV which suggests to employers that teachers thought they were low-ability. |
| 9.25am: The other big story around today, of course, is Michael Gove's plan to scrap GCSEs. It's a Daily Mail exclusive splash. Our version of it is here. | 9.25am: The other big story around today, of course, is Michael Gove's plan to scrap GCSEs. It's a Daily Mail exclusive splash. Our version of it is here. |
| Here's some reaction. | Here's some reaction. |
| From Stephen Twigg, the shadow education secretary | From Stephen Twigg, the shadow education secretary |
| Michael Gove must explain his changes to parents and pupils. Will going back to O-levels for some and CSEs for the rest really improve standards for all? | Michael Gove must explain his changes to parents and pupils. Will going back to O-levels for some and CSEs for the rest really improve standards for all? |
| Labour wants to see a robust, rigorous and broad curriculum and exam system that is trusted by parents, pupils and employers. We will set a series of tests to measure these changes. | Labour wants to see a robust, rigorous and broad curriculum and exam system that is trusted by parents, pupils and employers. We will set a series of tests to measure these changes. |
| To succeed in the modern world, young people need a broad education, not a narrow one. Will pupils doing these new exams get access to creative or innovative learning that will create the jobs of the future? | To succeed in the modern world, young people need a broad education, not a narrow one. Will pupils doing these new exams get access to creative or innovative learning that will create the jobs of the future? |
| Will this divide children at fourteen into winners and losers? | Will this divide children at fourteen into winners and losers? |
| With no secondary national curriculum how will he ensure a rigorous approach to learning in all schools? | With no secondary national curriculum how will he ensure a rigorous approach to learning in all schools? |
| When the Tories abolished O-levels and introduced GCSEs in the 1980s they said standards would rise. Now they say they've fallen. | When the Tories abolished O-levels and introduced GCSEs in the 1980s they said standards would rise. Now they say they've fallen. |
| If there is to be a major overhaul parents will want reassurance that the new system will enable all children to progress and reach their full potential. | If there is to be a major overhaul parents will want reassurance that the new system will enable all children to progress and reach their full potential. |
| From Lord Baker, the former Conservative education secretary who introduced the GCSE | From Lord Baker, the former Conservative education secretary who introduced the GCSE |
| What is important is to ensure that the other subjects that are taken [ie, the easier alternative to the new O Levels] don't become a second-class area of poor performance. The CSE certificate which we did away with in the 80s became a valueless bit of paper. It was not worth anything to the students or the employers. That means there has got to be rigour for the other subjects at 16 as well. | What is important is to ensure that the other subjects that are taken [ie, the easier alternative to the new O Levels] don't become a second-class area of poor performance. The CSE certificate which we did away with in the 80s became a valueless bit of paper. It was not worth anything to the students or the employers. That means there has got to be rigour for the other subjects at 16 as well. |
| From Kevin Brennan, the shadow education minister | From Kevin Brennan, the shadow education minister |
| Mrs Thatcher didn't abolish O-levels and CSEs without reason. It was because they actually stopped pupils from being able to fulfil their potential and sorted them out at far too young an age and I think that Michael Gove is in danger really of completely ripping up a system actually that works quite well but that does need to be looked at and reformed. | Mrs Thatcher didn't abolish O-levels and CSEs without reason. It was because they actually stopped pupils from being able to fulfil their potential and sorted them out at far too young an age and I think that Michael Gove is in danger really of completely ripping up a system actually that works quite well but that does need to be looked at and reformed. |
| From the NASUWT teaching union | From the NASUWT teaching union |
| Michael Gove consigns Margaret Thatcher's education reforms to the dustbin of history.His arrogance is breathtaking. #SUFS | Michael Gove consigns Margaret Thatcher's education reforms to the dustbin of history.His arrogance is breathtaking. #SUFS |
| — NASUWT (@nasuwtunion) June 21, 2012 | — NASUWT (@nasuwtunion) June 21, 2012 |
| From the BBC's Ross Hawkins | From the BBC's Ross Hawkins |
| Welsh Education Minister Leighton Andrews tells @BBCr5live that govt in Wales "certainly won't be bringing back O levels." | Welsh Education Minister Leighton Andrews tells @BBCr5live that govt in Wales "certainly won't be bringing back O levels." |
| — Ross Hawkins (@rosschawkins) June 21, 2012 | — Ross Hawkins (@rosschawkins) June 21, 2012 |
| From Sky's Sophy Ridge | From Sky's Sophy Ridge |
| Lib Dem source on Gove's O-level plans: A "two tier exam system" will cause "mass concern" and "conflicts" with social mobility agenda | Lib Dem source on Gove's O-level plans: A "two tier exam system" will cause "mass concern" and "conflicts" with social mobility agenda |
| — Sophy Ridge (@SophyRidgeSky) June 21, 2012 | — Sophy Ridge (@SophyRidgeSky) June 21, 2012 |
| Striking number of Conservative MPs on Twitter v supportive of Gove's 'Return on O-level' proposals.Haven't seen any Lib Dems comment yet... | Striking number of Conservative MPs on Twitter v supportive of Gove's 'Return on O-level' proposals.Haven't seen any Lib Dems comment yet... |
| — Sophy Ridge (@SophyRidgeSky) June 21, 2012 | — Sophy Ridge (@SophyRidgeSky) June 21, 2012 |
| From Labour's John Prescott | From Labour's John Prescott |
| So we're going to cause massive unrest in our school changing from GCSEs to #GOveLevels just to please the Daily Mail? | So we're going to cause massive unrest in our school changing from GCSEs to #GOveLevels just to please the Daily Mail? |
| — John Prescott (@johnprescott) June 20, 2012 | — John Prescott (@johnprescott) June 20, 2012 |
| From Labour activist Joe Dromey | From Labour activist Joe Dromey |
| Interesting to hear Gove argue for end to competition in exam boards. Apparently state run monopoly will drive up standards | Interesting to hear Gove argue for end to competition in exam boards. Apparently state run monopoly will drive up standards |
| — Joe Dromey (@Joe_Dromey) June 21, 2012 | — Joe Dromey (@Joe_Dromey) June 21, 2012 |
| From Tory MP Philip Davies | From Tory MP Philip Davies |
| As someone who did the first ever GCSEs in 1988 as well as a couple of O levels the year before, I am sure Michael Gove is right | As someone who did the first ever GCSEs in 1988 as well as a couple of O levels the year before, I am sure Michael Gove is right |
| — Philip Davies (@PhilipDaviesMP) June 21, 2012 | — Philip Davies (@PhilipDaviesMP) June 21, 2012 |
| 9.04am: The Treasury minister David Gauke has welcomed Jimmy Carr's decision to pull out of the K2 tax avoidance scheme and urged other people involved in it to do the same. | 9.04am: The Treasury minister David Gauke has welcomed Jimmy Carr's decision to pull out of the K2 tax avoidance scheme and urged other people involved in it to do the same. |
| This is what he told BBC News. | This is what he told BBC News. |
| I welcome what Jimmy Carr has said. I think it's the right step for him to take. All the focus has been on him. But of course there are many people who have invested in these schemes that are very artificial and contrived. They are clearly not in accordance with the intention of parliament and they are not fair on the general taxpayer who has to pay more as a consequence. | I welcome what Jimmy Carr has said. I think it's the right step for him to take. All the focus has been on him. But of course there are many people who have invested in these schemes that are very artificial and contrived. They are clearly not in accordance with the intention of parliament and they are not fair on the general taxpayer who has to pay more as a consequence. |
| I hope others who have invested in such schemes, who maybe thought "Well, it's a great opportunity to reduce my tax bill", also think carefully about it, think whether it is fair, whether it is right that they do so. | I hope others who have invested in such schemes, who maybe thought "Well, it's a great opportunity to reduce my tax bill", also think carefully about it, think whether it is fair, whether it is right that they do so. |
| 8.50am: Here's some Twitter reaction to the Jimmy Carr announcement. | 8.50am: Here's some Twitter reaction to the Jimmy Carr announcement. |
| From Stewart Wood, the Labour peer | From Stewart Wood, the Labour peer |
| Now that Jimmy Carr has apologised, I expect Cameron will be moving on to those in his party & social circles who also use tax avoidance. | Now that Jimmy Carr has apologised, I expect Cameron will be moving on to those in his party & social circles who also use tax avoidance. |
| — Stewart Wood (@StewartWood) June 21, 2012 | — Stewart Wood (@StewartWood) June 21, 2012 |
| From Labour MP Jamie Reed | From Labour MP Jamie Reed |
| Cameron tries to scapegoat Carr. Media turn up at Carr's house to doorstep him. Leveson? | Cameron tries to scapegoat Carr. Media turn up at Carr's house to doorstep him. Leveson? |
| — Jamie Reed (@jreedmp) June 21, 2012 | — Jamie Reed (@jreedmp) June 21, 2012 |
| From PoliticsHome's Paul Waugh | From PoliticsHome's Paul Waugh |
| This is funniest thing he's done in ages. Jimmy Carr admits to 'a terrible error of judgement' re taxes. Sounds like a 2nd rate MP | This is funniest thing he's done in ages. Jimmy Carr admits to 'a terrible error of judgement' re taxes. Sounds like a 2nd rate MP |
| — Paul Waugh (@paulwaugh) June 21, 2012 | — Paul Waugh (@paulwaugh) June 21, 2012 |
| Pressure now really on Gary Barlow to follow Carr's suit. Much more politically tricky for Cam, given endorsement b4 election. | Pressure now really on Gary Barlow to follow Carr's suit. Much more politically tricky for Cam, given endorsement b4 election. |
| — Paul Waugh (@paulwaugh) June 21, 2012 | — Paul Waugh (@paulwaugh) June 21, 2012 |
| From Times columnist David Aaronovitch | From Times columnist David Aaronovitch |
| Jimmy Carr has been shamed out of tax immorality. That is something of a victory, and worth celebrating. Good statement too. | Jimmy Carr has been shamed out of tax immorality. That is something of a victory, and worth celebrating. Good statement too. |
| — David Aaronovitch (@DAaronovitch) June 21, 2012 | — David Aaronovitch (@DAaronovitch) June 21, 2012 |
| From Labour's John Prescott | From Labour's John Prescott |
| PM attacking @jimmycarr was a media distraction to the doctors strike. Once Tory supporters were accused of doing same, we get #govelevels | PM attacking @jimmycarr was a media distraction to the doctors strike. Once Tory supporters were accused of doing same, we get #govelevels |
| — John Prescott (@johnprescott) June 21, 2012 | — John Prescott (@johnprescott) June 21, 2012 |
| From the commentator Mehdi Hasan | From the commentator Mehdi Hasan |
| If only Ken Livingstone had followed Jimmy Carr's example, eh? He might have been mayor now... #jimmycarronestepahead | If only Ken Livingstone had followed Jimmy Carr's example, eh? He might have been mayor now... #jimmycarronestepahead |
| — Mehdi Hasan (@ns_mehdihasan) June 21, 2012 | — Mehdi Hasan (@ns_mehdihasan) June 21, 2012 |
| 8.45am: "Breaking" (as they say, rather irritatingly, on Twitter). The comedian Jimmy Carr has raised the white flag. Around 16 hours after David Cameron said his involvement in the K2 tax avoidance scheme was "morally wrong", he used his Twitter feed to say he was pulling out of it. Here are the key tweets. | 8.45am: "Breaking" (as they say, rather irritatingly, on Twitter). The comedian Jimmy Carr has raised the white flag. Around 16 hours after David Cameron said his involvement in the K2 tax avoidance scheme was "morally wrong", he used his Twitter feed to say he was pulling out of it. Here are the key tweets. |
| I appreciate as a comedian, people will expect me to 'make light' of this situation, but I'm not going to in this statement | I appreciate as a comedian, people will expect me to 'make light' of this situation, but I'm not going to in this statement |
| as this is obviously a serious matter. | as this is obviously a serious matter. |
| I met with a financial advisor and he said to me "Do you want to pay less tax? It's totally legal." I said "Yes." | I met with a financial advisor and he said to me "Do you want to pay less tax? It's totally legal." I said "Yes." |
| I now realise I've made a terrible error of judgement. | I now realise I've made a terrible error of judgement. |
| Although I've been advised the K2 Tax scheme is entirely legal, and has been fully disclosed to HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs), | Although I've been advised the K2 Tax scheme is entirely legal, and has been fully disclosed to HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs), |
| I'm no longer involved in it and will in future conduct my financial affairs much more responsibly. Apologies to everyone. Jimmy Carr | I'm no longer involved in it and will in future conduct my financial affairs much more responsibly. Apologies to everyone. Jimmy Carr |
| Good for him. I'll be covering the reaction to this, as well as looking at the other big story this morning, the Daily Mail's revelation that Michael Gove wants to scrap GCSEs. And then, at about 2pm, we've got a rare press conference with David Cameron. He's giving it with the Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, but I fear it won't last long because as soon as the questions get tricky, Cameron will say she's got to head off for her speech to parliament (at 3pm). | Good for him. I'll be covering the reaction to this, as well as looking at the other big story this morning, the Daily Mail's revelation that Michael Gove wants to scrap GCSEs. And then, at about 2pm, we've got a rare press conference with David Cameron. He's giving it with the Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, but I fear it won't last long because as soon as the questions get tricky, Cameron will say she's got to head off for her speech to parliament (at 3pm). |
| As usual, I'll be covering all the breaking political news, as well as looking at the papers and bringing you the best politics from the web. I'll post a lunchtime summary at around 1pm and another at about 4pm. | As usual, I'll be covering all the breaking political news, as well as looking at the papers and bringing you the best politics from the web. I'll post a lunchtime summary at around 1pm and another at about 4pm. |
| If you want to follow me on Twitter, I'm on @AndrewSparrow. | If you want to follow me on Twitter, I'm on @AndrewSparrow. |
| And if you're a hardcore fan, you can follow @gdnpoliticslive. It's an automated feed that tweets the start of every new post that I put on the blog. | And if you're a hardcore fan, you can follow @gdnpoliticslive. It's an automated feed that tweets the start of every new post that I put on the blog. |