Allegations about Muslim plot to take over U.K. schools rock Britain
“I have already asked OFSTED [Office for Standards in Education] to inspect a number of schools of concern and these investigations are ongoing. But wider, more comprehensive action is needed.
“These allegations need either to be substantiated and firm action taken, or to be shown to be baseless.
“We cannot allow uncertainty for parents or pupils to persist.
“That is why I am appointing a commissioner to oversee this work. Peter Clarke brings a wealth of relevant skills and experience, and is very well placed to lead a fair and thorough assessment of the evidence, and report back to me.
“We expect he will work closely with Birmingham City Council.
“No pupils should be exposed to extremist views or radicalization while at school.
“I have tasked Peter Clarke with getting to the bottom of these allegations, so schools in Birmingham can continue the excellent progress that so many have been making.”
On Monday Birmingham city appointed its own special investigator – he was appointed for six months — to investigate the claims.
Birmingham’s decision follows announcements of separate investigations launched by OFSTED and the Department for Education.
Chief Constable Sims, however, publicly criticized Gove’s decision to appoint Clarke.
He said: “This is a desperately unfortunate appointment.
“Peter Clarke has many qualities but people will inevitably draw unwarranted conclusions from his former role as National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism.”
He told the Telegraph that it would be “perceived in the strongest possible terms by many, many people”
“People will read into it that this has suddenly become a counter terrorism investigation,” he said.
“In many respects this is not a policing issue.”
He added: “I have a counter terrorism unit that runs from this force but they are not engaged in investigating schools in east Birmingham.
“And I don’t for a minute think that Peter Clarke will be either but I understand the community well enough to know that his appointment will be judged by many to be exactly that.
“I’ve not spoken out at all about this issue previously but I just want to use the opportunity to make sure people don’t misinterpret that appointment.”
The West Midland’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Labor’s Bob Jones, agreed with Sims’s remarks.
“This appointment gives the clear impression that the issues around Trojan Horse are predominantly around counter-terrorism issues,” he said.
“My main concern is that the Secretary of State is attempting to divert attention away from the governance and diversity issues that might be embarrassing to his policies and approach to school governance.
“This would be at the expense of sending a completely inappropriate message to our local community.”
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s World At One, the leader of the Birmingham City Council Sir Albert Bore said that the impression given by Clarke’s past role “doesn’t make for a good start” in the post.
“At first sight, today’s announcement of an independent commissioner is a missed opportunity to strengthen our coordinated approach to addressing these very serious matters,” he said.
“Peter Clarke will need to give careful consideration to building a strong relationship with us and, given his recent counter-terrorism responsibilities in London, ensure that his investigation does not undermine the confidence of our communities.
“However, in the interests of the children and young people of the city, I will ensure that Peter Clarke and his team have every opportunity to add value to the work of our chief adviser, Ian Kershaw and the review group chaired by Stephen Rimmer.”
