I am very grateful to Iain Dale for pointing out that the Tory flip-flop on Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs] extends back as far as January 2008.
While I was out at various meetings this evening, I had a message from Iain Dale. I am very grateful to him for pointing out that the Tory flip-flop, u-turn or back track (call it what you will) on Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs] extends back as far as January 2008.
The evidence:
– Chris Grayling, January 2005: “Bribing young people to sign up for courses they may not complete might make ministers’ targets look achievable – but [EMAs] do absolutely nothing to help solve this country’s chronic skills shortage.”
– David Cameron, November 2007: “we think there are some really practical problems and issues with that sort of compulsion”
– Michael Gove, January 2008: [Asked if was in favour of EMAs] Yes, absolutely
– Michael Gove, August 2008: Claimed it was a flop and, according to the Guardian, “said fewer than 400 extra children eligible for free school meals (FSM) had stayed on after finishing GCSEs since 2004, despite the introduction of the EMA at a cost of £924m.”
– David Cameron, January 2009: Says again that “Yes” he supports EMAs.
And while we’re on the subject, why has only one Conservative MP signed the Early Day Motion on “the extension of education maintenance allowance to over half a million young people.”
So much for “Game, set, match”, I wonder if Iain Dale will even acknowledge his error.
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16 Responses to “A reply to Iain Dale”
Tim Ireland
RT @wdjstraw: A reply to @IainDale: More evidence on Tory EMA flip flop @SamuelCoates @KerryMP @SaveEMA @DavidWrightMP http://bit.ly/68JZ0e
Tim Ireland
“He seems to be quick to criticise others, but rather slow to acknowledge his own mistakes!”
And the first to demand to know what right anyone has to criticise or challenge him. Strangely, he fares quite well in the now-annual poll of blogs that he conducts.
Political Scrapbook
Can't believe @iaindale is trying to keep this going –> http://bit.ly/4DsHgx and @wdjstraw's response –> http://bit.ly/68JZ0e
Political Scrapbook
How many times can the Tories change their minds about this initiative in four years?
As for linking to Liberal Conspiracy, OfBlog’s chief executive will not be impressed.
You’ve really done it now, Will!
beefqueen
RT @psbook Can't believe @iaindale is trying to keep this going –> http://bit.ly/4DsHgx and @wdjstraw's response –> http://bit.ly/68JZ0e