05/06/2014

Michael Gove Denies Conflict With Theresa May

The Education Secretary Michael Gove has denied being at war with the Home Secretary Theresa May over alleged Islamic fundamentalism in Birmingham schools, insisting that she "is doing a very fine job."

The disagreement began with allegations of a takeover strategy by a hardline Muslim group targeting state schools in Birmingham.

The Home Secretary accused Mr Gove of not dealing with the alleged Islamist plot targeting Birmingham schools.

David Cameron stepped into the row on Wednesday after the disclosure of a report that the Education Secretary thought that Mrs May was failing to properly tackle Islamic fundamentalism.

Apparently, Mr Gove believes that it is a gateway to more violent behaviour and that the Home Office has refused to tackle it until it can be linked to terrorism.

Mr May responded with a public letter to the Education Secretary dated 3 June with accusations to the department of failing to act over radical Islamists apparently targeting Birmingham schools despite warnings dating back to 2010, she said: "The allegations relating to schools in Birmingham raise serious questions about the quality of school governance and oversight arrangements."

However, the Prime Minister asked on Wednesday for a full account of the row between the two ministers.

After that Mr Gove said "she is doing a very fine job. There's a lot going on" over the Islamic fundamentalism.

(CVS)

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