David Blunkett’s letter (TES, December 26) was an evasive, politically expedient reply to the report “Labour accused of U-turn on selection” (TES, December 12) because he could not deny that there has been a U-turn since the 1997 Labour conference. There he made it quite clear that schools would not be allowed to have partial selection; now we find out that no new partial selection by ability will be permitted.
No explanation is given for this change of policy which betrays all those who clapped and cheered him at the conference and in the country at large. Perhaps you will receive another letter from him which really puts the record straight?
IAN GASPER 108 Ilkley Road Burley-in-Wharfedale, West Yorkshire
