News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

UK News

Politicians call for a national plan to boost Religious Education

by Alex Collett
Stephen Morgan 1.jpg - Banner image
Facebook

Politicians have called for more support for Religious Education and urged the Government to do more to protect the subject. 

Stephen Morgan, the Shadow Education Minister challenged the Government in a speech in Westminster Hall on Tuesday, appalled about its failure to introduce a National Plan for RE.

He claimed a Labour government would deliver a "well rounded" education.

Speaking about the issue, MP Morgan said within Westminster Hall: "The organization's conclusion of the government's performance for religious education was that words need to be backed up with action. 

"I think an education in religion and worldviews is an important part of the school curriculum. 

"But whilst members have made clear in today's debate the importance of religious education, our schools, and the role it plays in children's development of their understanding of the world around them and their fellow classmates, the cracks are starting to show in the government's attempt to deliver it.

"According to analysis by the National Foundation for Educational Research Report published earlier this year. recruitment for secondary school RE teachers was nearly 20% below the level required to meet its target for 2022."

The debate was called by Conservative MP Martin Vickers, who expressed concerns about the number of schools delivering the bare minimum of the subject. 

During the debate, entitled 'Religious Education in Modern Britain', MPs from the Conservative benches spoke highly for the subject, including the PM's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Fiona Bruce MP, as well as former RE teacher, Jonathan Gullis MP.

Mr Morgan expressed concerns over specialist RE teacher recruitment, noting from the National Foundation for Educational Research report that recruitment was 20 per cent below its target for 2022. 

Labour MP Luke Pollard also urged all parties to make a commitment to increase the provision for the subject in every school. 

In the closing remarks of the debate, Martin Vickers requested the Department for Education needs to be "more robust" in ensuring schools were following their statutory requirement for RE.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate