Education: History

Debate between Lord Clinton-Davis and Lord Hill of Oareford

Thursday 8th July 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Clinton-Davis]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what will be the roles of Niall Ferguson and Andrew Roberts with regard to the history curriculum for schools in England.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford)]

The Government intend to restore the national curriculum to its original purpose: a core national entitlement organised around subject disciplines. We will announce details of our plans in due course. No individual has been asked to play a specific role in the review. However, we plan to consult a wide range of interested parties to ensure that our curriculum is in line with those of the highest performing jurisdictions in the world.

[Lord Clinton-Davis]

Is the Minister aware that both the individuals have been mentioned in the press as having been consulted by the Government? Are not these appointments a blatant attempt to revive imperialist concepts? Why is it thought by the Government that right-wingers such as Niall Ferguson and Andrew Roberts—however articulate they may be—with their outdated views of empire, can make a useful contribution to the modern history syllabus?

[Lord Hill of Oareford]

My Lords, as I said, I am not at all certain that they have been asked to take part in the review. It may well be that they have not. I cannot say any more than that at this stage.