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UK: Blair frustrated over school rebels

Winning support for the Government's controversial school reforms is proving "a high-wire act" amid growing opposition from Labour MPs, Tony Blair has said.

Mr Blair hinted at his frustration over criticisms from back-benchers and senior Labour figures including Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and former party leader Lord Kinnock.

But the Prime Minister insisted the White Paper proposals for a new breed of "independent" trust schools were "fundamental" to the Government.

He was speaking as an adviser to Education Secretary Ruth Kelly published a report warning that the plans would be unfair to children from the poorest families.

At his regular monthly press conference, Mr Blair acknowledged the importance of the White Paper blueprint to his authority.

"I am not intending to lose it, but it is a bit of a high-wire act just at the moment, I accept that," he said.

"I have got significant numbers of my own side who are against it.

"But my job is to go out and say to people 'this is critical, about standards, about educating our children'."

Mr Blair came close to admitting anger at those opposing the reforms.

His comments came as the Government faced a growing revolt by up to 100 Labour back-benchers and senior party figures over the reforms.

Posted in: News on January 23, 2006 @ 12:00 AM

Tags: School

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