Tristram Hunt MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, responding to the statement by Education Secretary Nicky Morgan following the publication of the Clarke report, said:

“Ministers were warned about the failings in Birmingham’s schools in 2010. Instead of taking decision action, we have had years of inertia.

“David Cameron’s schools policy has left our schools too open and too exposed to risk and falling standards.

“We have seen no change in course in response to the dangerous lack of local oversight in our school system, the results of which we have seen played out in Birmingham’s schools.

“This is more of the same from this complacent government.

“Labour will introduce Directors of School Standards in every local area to hold all schools to account, respond to early warning signs and support all schools to improve.”