Downing Street Says » Charles Clarke/Prince of Wales

Asked if the Prime Minister agreed with Charles Clarke’s view that the Prince of Wales was out of touch, the PMS relied that the Prime Minister had great respect for the Prince of Wales. He also believed that Charles Clarke is a first class Secretary of State, and he thought the most important thing today was the announcement he was making on helping head teachers deal with disruptive pupils in the classroom by introducing new powers such as that allowing teachers to search pupils for knives. The focus was on that.

Asked if the Prime Minister was going to apologise to the Palace for the minister’s comments, the PMS said she was not aware of any plans to do so. The fact was that Charles Clarke gave an answer to a question he was asked, and politicians were sometimes criticised for not answering questions. Neither us, nor St. James’s Palace regarded this as any kind of drama. The PMS said that she knew that Charles Clarke valued his relationship with the Prince of Wales and always enjoyed discussions on education with him.

Asked if the fact that St James’s Palace had been contacted meant that the government were suitably worried about the situation, the PMS said that it was perfectly normal for St James’s Palace and Downing Street to be in contact with each other. People were allowed a difference of view without meaning they had shown any disrespect.

Asked if the Prime Minister had any views on the Prince of Wales’ apparent concerns about people who had aspirations that rose above their station, the PMS said she had never heard the Prime Minister express any views on it.

Asked if the Prime Minister shared any of the Prince of Wales’ concerns about children’s education, the PMS replied that the cornerstone of the Government’s education policy was to make sure that opportunity was spread as widely as possible for all people so we could make the most of the talents of the children in the schools of this country.

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Charles Clarke also said that he wanted schools to accept pupils who had been excluded elsewhere.
He clearly doesn’t understand the exclusion process – by the time a pupil is excluded they are beyond redemption by normal means – it is an incredibly difficult and protracted process – that’s why they have to go to special units where they can get the attention that they need.
If he knew anything about his area of responsibility he would never have considered making such a silly statement.
Along with his other comments we have to assume that he go out of the ‘silly’ side of the bed today
Comment by Roger Huffadine — 18 Nov 2004 on 6:30 pm | Link
I agree, including disruptive pupils in mainstream schools stops the rest of that class getting on and recieving decent schooling as the disruptive pupil takes the majority of the teachers time and effort.

And regarding the Princes thoughts, whatever happened to free speech – or has the government banned that too now…… they would do well to listen to a bit of critisism as they could learn quite a bit !
Comment by tony — 20 Nov 2004 on 12:37 am | Link
I cannot believe the effrontery of Charles Clarke. Not in being outspoken, but rather in demonstrating his own inability to comprehend simple english.

He should be forced to apologise, forced to resign and sent on a course to enable him to read simple english, show understanding and pass sensible remarks.
Comment by Andrew — 22 Nov 2004 on 2:11 pm | Link
Mr. Clarke was reported to have said the Prince of Wales should think carefully before making comments. I believe Mr. Clarke, along with Mr. Hain and Dr. Reid, did think carefully, as a good bit of Royal bashing (unjustified or not) deflects away from real issues facing the government. So lets have a go at someone who can’t fight back. Typical.
Comment by Kenneth Lawton — 22 Nov 2004 on 2:16 pm | Link
I’m glad to see that Prince Charles thinks that people should reach their position in life based on their abilities and the amount of effort they put in. The first conclusion of this meritocratic society would be to remove any right to an inheritence as it was not earned or based on an individual’s ability. So I presume the announcement about the abolition of the monarchy will be made any day now?
Comment by Uncarved Block — 23 Nov 2004 on 11:21 am | Link
Vive la Republic!
Comment by Lodjer — 24 Nov 2004 on 10:50 am | Link

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» Thursday, November 18, 2004

Charles Clarke/Prince of Wales

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