Gove: Labour is Downton Abbey party on schools
Michael Gove has issued a strong critique of Labour's education policy, accusing them of wanting to live in "Downton Abbey" when it comes to schools.
In a speech to the Social Market Foundation this evening, the Education Secretary said the opposition did not encourage working-class students studying academic subjects.
In a defence of the new Ebacc qualification, Mr Gove said: "The current leadership of the Labour party react to the idea that working class students might study the subjects they studied with the same horror that the Earl of Grantham showed when a chauffeur wanted to marry his daughter.
"Labour, under their current leadership, want to be the Downton Abbey party when it comes to educational opportunity. They think working class children should stick to the station in life they were born into – they should be happy to be recognised for being good with their hands and not presume to get above themselves."