Coalition rifts set to widen as Clegg hits out over free schools

COALITION rows over energy and education are expected to intensify today when Nick Clegg delivers an “unapologetic” defence of his criticism of the Government’s free schools policies.
Nick CleggNick Clegg
Nick Clegg

The Deputy Prime Minister will use a speech this morning to repeat criticisms of Education Secretary Michael Gove’s decision to allow free schools to employ unqualified teachers.

“I am totally unapologetic for believing that, as we continue to build a new type of state-funded school system, parents can make their choice safe in the knowledge that there are certain safeguards,” Mr Clegg will say. “So, yes, I support free schools and academies, but not with exemptions from minimum standards. That’s the bit I want to see change.”

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His speech will further strain the tensions between the two coalition parties after David Cameron yesterday announced he plans to clamp down on the green levies on people’s energy bills. Lib Dem sources accused the Prime Minister of a “panicky U-turn”.

Some Conservatives suggested Mr Cameron had decided to act unilaterally on green levies in response to Mr Clegg’s attack on free schools.

The Lib Dems leader will also use his speech today to unveil a new plan to move the country’s best headteachers into failing schools.

Leading heads will be invited to apply to enter a pool of top teachers – what Mr Clegg will term a Champions’ League of Heads – to which schools struggling to find suitable leadership can apply.