.... Gove's other show of strength was the apparent introduction of British values into our curriculum. For those wondering, British values are not weather-related moaning; neither are they the phrasing of commands as though they were questions.
Instead they are focused on respect for fellow citizens, the rule of law and democracy. We might ask how these values are uniquely British rather than, say, Icelandic. Or why a government minister, aware of the staggering rise in Islamophobia, is happy to mouth empty nationalistic phrases.
[A COMMENT] There are such things as British Values. They exist. You should not be allowed to create religious enclaves in Britain. We have to abolish faith schools and follow the example of France. 385 votes
[ANOTHER] Astonishing isn't it, despite being diametrically opposed to the values that liberals hold dear hard-line Islam gets not just a pass but active support from a large part of the left. 429 votes
[ANOTHER] I agree with Gove, and I am on the left. 462 votes
[ANOTHER] What's wrong with British schools promoting British values? 392 votes.
[ANOTHER] So what if it is meddling? Based on all the evidence we have seen it is essential if belated meddling. We need an education system that teaches tolerance and secularism, not that one that tolerates or even espouses intolerance. Just because that intolerance calls itself a religion it should not be protected, especially given its attitudes towards women, homosexuality and other faiths. 198 votes
[YET ANOTHER] I thought it was interesting that the author chose Iceland rather than Saudi Arabia for that particular example, which would have been more apt given the context of this debate. But then that would have diluted the attempted misdirection wouldn't it. [Guardian Cif] Read more
