We reported here 2 weeks ago that Maajid Nawaz has been selected as the Lib Dem candidate for the ultra-marginal three-way Hampstead and Kilburn seat. This week sees him write for the local Camden New Journal newspaper, focusing on education. Here’s an excerpt:
If we desire a society in which every child is given the opportunity to fulfil their potential, regardless of their economic background, the development of an education system capable of supporting this is crucial.
This is why I’m so proud that the Liberal Democrats in government have fought hard to secure investment in education. One of our biggest achievements has been securing the Pupil Premium.
This enables support for disadvantaged pupils so that we begin to close the attainment gap between them and their wealthier peers.
The Pupil Premium is rising to £1.875billion in 2013-14, with schools attracting £900 per disadvantaged child.
Schools in Camden are receiving an extra £9.1million this year to spend on disadvantaged pupils. And in the area of skills, the Liberal Democrats in government have helped 1.2million people start an apprenticeship since 2010, including 1,590 in Camden. This is fast, powerful, and tangible action.
I know how much Camden values education at all levels.
I am a product of a Camden education.
I completed my undergraduate degree at a Camden-based university, SOAS. I went on to complete my masters degree nearby at the LSE, where I have agreed to act as a student mentor.
My fiancée will be completing her post-graduate education at another Camden-based university. For me it’s personal.
I cannot afford to allow our education system to fall apart at the seams, and I will not.
You can read Maajid’s full article here.
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2 Comments
Maajid – so glad you joined the Lib Dems. In 2015 I plan to decamp from unwinnable north Oxforshire to help your and Sarah Teather’s campaigns. Another lesson from coalition, it is not just about getting Lib Dems elected, but getting the right Lib Dems elected!
It is a bit tenuous when promoting the pupil premium (ie. investment in state schools) to claim “I am a product of a Camden education.” when referring to degree studies. To me this use of a person’s experience of higher education in Camden to claim some form of connection with those going through state schooling in Camden sounds crass.