Do not ignore the wars, says MEP

World War One

Education Minister Michael Gove has come under fire from local MEP Paul Nuttall over axing a requirement for schools to teach children about the two World Wars.

"Why on earth has he thought fit to designate teaching about these major pivotal events to "non-statutory" status?

"Saying that teachers 'could' include them is just not good enough and, to add insult to injury, the two World Wars are optional but history lessons about early Islamic, African or South American culture are compulsory," said Mr Nuttall, UKIP Deputy Leader.

"It particularly grates with me, not just because I was formerly a history lecturer, but because next year is the centenary of the outbreak of World War 1. As we all know it wasn't 'the war to end all wars' but the ramifications for our society were enormous.

"Michael Gove has demonstrated some sound ideas for improving the education system in this country but this particular move is not one of them and I support the petition that has been launched to get him to reverse his decision."