Published 25 July 2020 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing A public consultation has closed on changes to Scotland's hate crime laws, which opponents say could have a damaging effect on free speech. Ministers argue the bill offers great protection for victims at a time when the number of cases is on the rise. Scottish Labour's James Kelly said he had 'serious reservations', especially over the offence of stirring up hatred. But Scotland's justice secretary said people's freedom of expression was not under attack. As you are reading this news story on the BBC news website I am going to hazard a guess that you probably believe that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. And that you think without the right to free speech many other freedoms may be threatened? You would probably also agree that it is wrong actively attempt to stir up hatred against … [Read more...] about Free speech row over new hate crime bill in Scotland
Trump speech transcript 2019
Australia election: Anthony Albanese leads Labor to Australian election victory
By Tiffanie Turnbull Published 21 May Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Related Topics Australia election 2022 Anthony Albanese is set to become Australia's next prime minister after leading the Labor Party to its first election victory in more than a decade. One of the country's longest-serving politicians, he promised voters "safe change" as he worked to kick out the conservative Liberal-National coalition which has been in power since 2013. Where ousted Prime Minister Scott Morrison is a self-described "bulldozer", Mr Albanese vows to be a "builder". After the pandemic, which saw Australian states cut off from each other and cities splintered by strict lockdowns, fostering unity is a top priority for the new leader. "I want to bring Australians together. I want to seek our common purpose and promote unity and optimism, not fear and division," he said … [Read more...] about Australia election: Anthony Albanese leads Labor to Australian election victory
Ofsted powers boosted to tackle illegal unregistered schools in England
Published 9 May Share close Share page Copy link About sharing New legislation would boost the schools regulator's powers to crack down on unregistered schools operating illegally in England, ministers say. The government says its Schools Bill will also introduce compulsory registers so children not receiving a full education can be identified. Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said the bill would ensure "every child has access to an education they deserve". But Labour said the Conservatives were "failing our children". Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was "obsessing over structures instead of improving children's experience in the classroom". She said there was "no plan" to improve teaching or "tackle the exodus of school staff from our classrooms" and that Labour had proposals to boost new teacher numbers by 6,500. Should a school be in … [Read more...] about Ofsted powers boosted to tackle illegal unregistered schools in England
Who is Michelle Donelan and what is the new education secretary facing?
By Hazel Shearing Published 2 hours ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Former higher and further education minister Michelle Donelan has been made the new education secretary. It follows Nadhim Zahawi's departure from the post as he becomes chancellor. Ms Donelan, 38, has spent the past two years occupied with universities and colleges. Now she has the whole of England's education system to contend with - and she is facing a pretty packed schedule. Catch-up after Covid Perhaps the biggest issue Ms Donelan will have to contend with is the impact of two years of disruption on schoolchildren. By 2030, ministers want 90% of children leaving primary school to reach the expected standards in reading, writing and maths. There's a long way to go, and unions aren't convinced it's doable with current levels of funding. This week, Sats results … [Read more...] about Who is Michelle Donelan and what is the new education secretary facing?