Say what you like about Blair and New Labour (and I do), they improved primary and secondary school attainment no end and made a massive difference to social mobility with their policies aiding accessibility.Banquo wrote:My answer would be to fix the state system first, and you won't do that by shutting down private schools- as I've just said, it would likely crucify them in the short term- I'd also add that you should be thanking me for paying the taxes that help educate your child whilst not burdening the state with my own children's educationPuja wrote:I am manifestly not, which explains our differing views on the matter. To me, private schools create an awful lot of value to a small number of people and a detriment to the rest.Banquo wrote: There are plenty, its not even zero sum as indicated above- after five years or less it would cost the state money. But then I'm a fan of the private school system for lots of reasons. And its not a plan, its a tactic; the plan would involve how to provide the places for the 'displaced' kids. To be clear, I wouldn't start from here in an ideal world, but there are much bigger priorities in the economy.
Much as I hate to paraphrase Blair, but what bigger priority is there than education? Surely it's the bedrock upon which everything else rests?
Puja![]()
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(a joke, for the avoidance of doubt). As I said, I wouldn't start from here. And I wouldn't be quoting Blair as the architect of our disastrous higher education system.
Without an economy, you don't have good education; that's not even chicken and egg. Unless you want to rebase all that.
Anyway, in classic fashion the debate has turned away from the real point- Labour don't have a position on taxation.
Also, I think you carried on for two superfluous words on your last sentence.
Puja