Michael Gove’s decision to scrap school sports partnerships has sparked a remarkable grassroots revolt, uniting people right across the country.
Labour called yesterday’s debate on school sport to give voice to that anger, but also to suggest a constructive way forward.
In the last 24 hours, we have heard a huge change in tone on this issue from both the Prime Minister and Michael Gove. It seems they now admit that they got it wrong and that school sports partnerships have been a success.
This apparent change of heart is welcome and will give a glimmer of hope to the thousands of young people, head teachers and athletes who have called on the Government to reverse their decision to scrap school sport partnerships.
However, hopes have been raised, and now must not be dashed by an inadequate response from the Government. The test of any response must be that it preserves our world leading system of school sports partnership. My offer stands to work constructively with the Government to that end and ensure that we work across party lines to secure the maximum legacy from London 2012.
The ball is now in Mr Cameron and Mr Gove’s court.
