“Scotland already has the right to vary the basic rate of taxation by up to 3p, albeit in practice this was allowed to lapse. Why not press for the right to increase a higher-rate tax and use it to pay for our universities?” Des McNulty, former Labour education spokesman

“An emphasis on climate change in the curriculum connects the core scientific concepts to topical issues. Certain politicians feel that they don’t like the concept of climate change. I hope this isn’t a sign of a political agenda being exercised.” Bob Ward, of the Grantham Research Institute, on plans that climate change should not be part of England’s national curriculum.