This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-26951453

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Birmingham school governor denies 'Trojan Horse' plot claims Birmingham school governor denies 'Trojan Horse' plot claims
(about 5 hours later)
A governor at a Birmingham school which is alleged to be the target of an "Islamic takeover plot" has described the claims as a "witch hunt". A governor at a Birmingham school alleged to be the target of an "Islamic takeover plot" has described the claims as a "witch hunt".
David Hughes, a governor at Park View School, defended it against what he said were "unfounded attacks".David Hughes, a governor at Park View School, defended it against what he said were "unfounded attacks".
The Department for Education (DfE) is investigating 12 schools over the alleged plot.The Department for Education (DfE) is investigating 12 schools over the alleged plot.
On Tuesday, 10 Birmingham MPs asked Education Secretary Michael Gove to complete the probe more quickly. Ten MPs have asked for the council and DfE to jointly review any lessons to be learned following the investigation.
In a letter to Education Secretary Michael Gove the Birmingham MPs said it was "essential" such a review was undertaken, led by an advisor appointed by the two organisations.
A so-called "Operation Trojan Horse" letter claimed responsibility for leadership changes at four Birmingham schools, but its authenticity has not been established.A so-called "Operation Trojan Horse" letter claimed responsibility for leadership changes at four Birmingham schools, but its authenticity has not been established.
'No complaints''No complaints'
Mr Hughes, who describes himself as a "white, practising Anglican Christian", has been a governor at the Alum Rock school for more than 15 years.Mr Hughes, who describes himself as a "white, practising Anglican Christian", has been a governor at the Alum Rock school for more than 15 years.
"In all my time as a governor we have not received a single complaint about 'extremism' or 'radicalism'."In all my time as a governor we have not received a single complaint about 'extremism' or 'radicalism'.
"If we had we would have investigated it openly and thoroughly," he said."If we had we would have investigated it openly and thoroughly," he said.
Ofsted has confirmed it is carrying out a number of snap inspections at Birmingham schools, including Park View, at the request of the DfE.Ofsted has confirmed it is carrying out a number of snap inspections at Birmingham schools, including Park View, at the request of the DfE.
Mr Hughes said he suspected the school would receive a negative Ofsted report, despite previously being rated as "outstanding".Mr Hughes said he suspected the school would receive a negative Ofsted report, despite previously being rated as "outstanding".
He added: "The revisit of the inspection team gave every indication of having no wish other than to condemn the school - even the outstanding features. "The revisit of the inspection team gave every indication of having no wish other than to condemn the school - even the outstanding features," he said.
"Are there areas to improve at the school? Yes of course, as there are at most schools.""Are there areas to improve at the school? Yes of course, as there are at most schools."
An Ofsted spokeswoman declined to comment on the remarks.
'Fictitious allegations''Fictitious allegations'
Last week Michael White, a former teacher at Park View School, said he was dismissed in 2003 after raising concerns about extremism among governors.Last week Michael White, a former teacher at Park View School, said he was dismissed in 2003 after raising concerns about extremism among governors.
But Mr Hughes dismissed the claims, saying "at no time" during a disciplinary panel had Mr White raised concerns.But Mr Hughes dismissed the claims, saying "at no time" during a disciplinary panel had Mr White raised concerns.
He said some former staff members were "smearing" the school and "sharing fictitious allegations".He said some former staff members were "smearing" the school and "sharing fictitious allegations".
The allegations were "socially divisive and dangerous for a settled, stable, multi-cultural Birmingham," he said.The allegations were "socially divisive and dangerous for a settled, stable, multi-cultural Birmingham," he said.
Birmingham City Council has said it is continuing to investigate the allegations and cannot comment further.Birmingham City Council has said it is continuing to investigate the allegations and cannot comment further.