Blair gets it wrong on school bullying

5.34.11pm GMT Wed 23rd Nov 2005

Responding to the Prime Minister's criticism of Bristol City Council's anti-bullying policies, Edward Davey MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary, said:

"Bristol's anti-bullying strategy has involved the enthusiastic support of Bristol schools, businesses and local football teams. It is also strongly backed by local Labour MP, Kerry McCarthy.

"The document being launched mentions the "No Blame" approach briefly and only as one of many available approaches. This directly follows the guidance of Mr. Blair's government's own "anti-bullying pack" on the Department for Education website.

"The Prime Minister owes the people of Bristol an apology. His own government's record on school discipline is poor. I'd encourage him to make the time to attend Bristol's anti-bullying initiative on Friday and to learn from a serious, inclusive and well-planned strategy to protect our children from bullying, rather than scoring cheap political points."