Minister plays down Lib Dem tensions

LIBERAL Democrat Schools Minister David Laws has played down suggestions of tensions in the Government over a key education policy by stressing the difference between ministerial responsibilities and individual party policies in a coalition.

By The Newsroom

Published 23rd Oct 2013, 01:01 BST

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg had opened dividing lines by publicly insisting that all teachers, including at free schools, should be qualified, and the National Curriculum should be taught in every school.

His views appeared to be at odds with those of Mr Laws who last week told MPs “there are plenty of teachers who may not have formal qualifications but who still do a superb job” and Lib Dem former Minister Jeremy Browne who had also come out in support of free schools.

But Mr Laws moved to defuse suggestions of a row within the Government, saying the Lib Dems backed a motion at their March conference making it clear the party wants to see qualified teachers in every free school.