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Photo: Wikimedia
UK News

MP promises to disobey law on Sunday school Ofsted inspections

by Antony Bushfield

David Burrowes called for civil "disobedience" if the government continues with its plans for new anti-extremism rules.

Proposals would mean non-school settings caring for children for more than six hours a week could face Ofsted inspections.

The government says it is to clamp down on 'undesirable teaching' but critics warn traditional Biblical teaching could come under that banner.

Mr Burrowes told Premier: "This is unacceptable and it's the state infringing on basic freedoms that I hold dear and many thousands of Christians do as well.

"I would not respect Ofsted's involvement in matters that don't concern them.

"I will be calling on fellow Christians across the land, and indeed those of other faiths as well, to not respect that ruling.

"It is an act of disobedience but I believe it would be a righteous act of disobedience."

He added that he was hopeful he would not have to "go down that route".

During a debate on the issue in Westminster Hall one MP said the new legislation could even be illegal under international law.

Chief Executive of the Christian charity CARE, CEO Nola Leach said the plans were "unacceptable" and like Big Brother.

"If the State is granted power in the form of Ofsted inspection of church activities we are talking about a radical and alarming altering of the established relationship between church and state," she said.

"How can it be right to make Ofsted inspectors the new custodians of British values and able to decide whether or not some aspect of Christian teaching is right or wrong? This has serious implications for free speech.

"These plans are unworkable and burdensome, not only on churches but also on Ofsted as well and as one MP pointed out, the very legality of these proposals is questionable under International law."

An Ofsted spokesman said: "Ofsted has absolutely no intention of intervening in Sunday school teaching.

"The government's consultation on plans for the registration and inspection of out-of-school settings ended last week. Ofsted will act according to whatever criteria are set down by Parliament once any legislation that follows this consultation exercise is enacted.

"We have no current powers to inspect these type of settings unless we have cause to believe they are operating illegally as unregistered schools. Nor are we seeking any additional powers other than those that Parliament may decide to give us.

"In responding to a question on this matter during a live radio phone-in, Chief Inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw was simply seeking to make clear that Ofsted would apply any new rules on the registration and inspection of supplementary schools in a consistent and proportionate way.

"Sir Michael looks forward to the opportunity to give this reassurance next week when he meets the Members of Parliament and the Secretary of State."

David Burrowes speaking to Premier's Antony Bushfield:

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