The education white paper - not only flawed, but dangerous.

This white paper is not only flawed, it is also dangerous - dangerous to the health of our education system and dangerous to our children's education. An admissions "free for all" will cause widespread segregation and unequal educational opportunity. Please note our two Labour councillors - unequal educational opportunity! I think you will agree that these are not traditional Labour values - but there again this is New Labour isn't it?

The absence of community schools will only encourage and support the strong, the specialised and the gifted. I repeat - the absence of community schools will only encourage and support the strong, the specialised and the gifted. What has happened to the principle of a good education for all?

Good schools don't want expansion - good schools want emulation.

We want to work towards all our Surrey schools being good schools. Surely no-one in this council chamber can deny that principle? It is the right of every Surrey child - every Surrey student - every Surrey parent's expectation - to receive the best education we can provide - and it is our duty to provide it!

I am proud to be involved with a "bog standard comprehensive" in Guildford - George Abbot is a community school and one of thousands throughout Britain delivering the best education possible! I am equally proud to be involved with Carwarden House special community school. Both producers of best practice - OfStEd assured! OfStEd certified.

This white paper does nothing for schools other than causing widespread dissatisfaction and alarm. I am involved with many schools - both mainstream and special and not one employee from head to toe has said that they are in favour of these white paper proposals. Ill thought out by people who do not understand. People who do not realise that education is reeling under initiatives.

Some of it is potentially good, given time. This is not the time for idealogical unsound government spin. We must, as Surrey County Councillors, be unified in giving this very clear message to Government. Supporting this motion will give the Government a clear message from Surrey: "We support sense, we support good education for all, and we support our schools and don't want this proposed legislation to damage the progress we have made."