Tory calls for more permanent school expulsions

http://www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk/runcorn-widnes-news/runcorn-widnes-local-news/2008/11/24/tory-calls-for-more-permanent-school-expulsions-55368-22332952/

EDUCATION chiefs have rejected claims that more pupils should have been expelled for incidents in the borough’s schools last year.

Figures released by the Department for Children, Schools and Families show that 630 pupils were temporarily excluded from school in Halton during 2006-07.
Of these, 123 were sent home for assaulting other pupils, 41 for assaulting adults, and 13 for alcohol and drug offences.

That year also saw 194 excluded for “persistent disruptive behaviour”, 133 for verbal abuse against adults, 17 for bullying, 11 for sexual misconduct, and five for racist abuse.

Ben Jones, prospective Conservative MP for Halton, said that more excluded pupils should have been permanently expelled. He said: “Many teachers are doing their best to maintain discipline, but it’s unbelievable that, here in Halton, so many bullies are being allowed back into the classroom. “The victims of bullying shouldn’t have to put up with
seeing their tormentors stroll back into the classroom after a few days away from school.”

A Halton Borough Council spokesman, said: “The incidents leading to the fixed term exclusion of pupils exist on a wide spectrum of seriousness. Permanent exclusion is a sanction that is rightly reserved for incidents at the most serious end of this spectrum.

The hard work starts here

Last night I was given the honour of being adopted by the Halton Conservative Association as their prospective parliamentary candidate.

I am absolutely delighted and humbled by the faith they have put in me and will repay that faith with 100% commitment and dedication.

I am looking forward to working with all our councillors and members to give Halton the representation it deserves, in Parliament and on the Council. Together we will take the fight to Labour and Liberals- the hard work starts here!

I would also like to pay tribute to my fellow candidates who were unsuccessful last evening. They are all outstanding individuals who will do our Party and our country proud when they are selected.

A lifetime of service

Senator John McCain showed this morning the dignity and good grace in defeat that many of us have admired in him for many years. He came up short on election day but his outstanding contribution to this campaign and his years of service to his country are undimished.

I like so many others think how different the last eight years could have been if he had won the Republican nomination in 2000.

"Renewal as well as change"

Regardless of your politics, today is a truly historic day.

Barrack Obama's stunning victory in the US Presidential election sends a clear message to politicians around the world. His message of hope, renewal and change has resonated with the United States, and in parts few thought he could reach. The sight of thousands of Americans, some of whom were voting for the first time, queuing for hours (often in the rain), to have their voices heard was moving and humbling. I hope this renewal of the democratic process in the US, after engaging and enthralling primary and election campaigns will now be felt in Britain. We need to reinvigorate our politics and offer the British people the sort of hope and choice that the US has been given.

That, however, is for another day. Today we should congratulate President-elect Obama on his magnificent victory and wish him every success as he prepares to take up his great office.