The Shadow Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families visited Eltham yesterday and spoke of his desire to create schools worthy of tomorrow's generation of children.  He vowed to ensure a variety of schools would remain available to parents and stressed the importance of discipline and respect for society.

He praised teaching staff who are committed and work hard for their students, saying he wanted to see more respect afforded to them for the work they do.  And he vowed to ensure parents take more responsibility for their children.

I welcomed Michael's comments.  As a school governor and the Godfather of four children, I am committed to ensuring the best possible education is available to all children.  Too many do not attend school and as a result, leave without even being able to read and write properly.  Michael has all the makings of a great Secretary of State.  His energy and intellect would be of huge value to the country.