---

Education and Inspections Bill

I have already welcomed the Opposition’s support. While I am glad that they are trying to put their past behind them—[Interruption.] There was some uncertainty among Opposition Members about the issue, and some of them have been brought kicking and screaming and flipping and flopping to our door. We should not be in any doubt: this is a Labour Bill. A vote for the Bill today is a vote to build on the work of my right hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Brightside, my noble Friend Baroness Morris and my right hon. Friend the Member for Norwich, South (Mr. Clarke). The next stage of reform is built on the foundations created by the Labour Government. A vote for the Bill is a vote for the belief that every child’s potential and achievement matters; that every school must be empowered to deliver the transformation of children’s lives; and that a job this big needs to draft in all the support that it can to our schools to make the difference. It is a vote for the aspirations of parents and children throughout the country; it is a vote for Labour values; and I commend the Bill to the House. Question put, That the Bill be now read a Second time:— The House divided: Ayes 458, Noes 115.