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”
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by wdjstraw: A reply to @IainDale: More evidence on Tory EMA flip flop @SamuelCoates @KerryMP @SaveEMA @DavidWrightMP http://bit.ly/68JZ0e…
Tim Ireland
Will’s already had the audacity to be related to someone Iain doesn’t like, but the folks at home should be warned that Iain Dale does have an unstated (but widely recognised) policy of treating people he disagrees with as unpersons, refusing them his red-hot linky love.
Tim Ireland
Sorry, that was incorrect, Iain’s policy relates to people who dare voice their disagreement with him. (Or prove that he’s wrong or lying. He *hates* that.)
Anthony Painter
RT @thedancingflea: I love @wdjstraw's reply to @iaindale on @leftfootfwd – cements the pt. on evidence-based blogging! http://bit.ly/68JZ0e
Liberal Conspiracy » How the Tories have flip-flopped on education
[…] blog Left Foot Forward uncovered these quotes from the Conservative shadow cabinet: – Chris Grayling, January 2005: “Bribing young people […]