LETTER : Education test for new Labour

From Mr Trevor Cox

Sir: If new Labour is based on the democratic principles of community and social justice and not just on Marxist dogma, there is no reason why it should not preserve and develop the Government's Assisted Places Scheme, which enables bright youngsters whose parents cannot afford the fees to go to independent schools.

There is no community when only the rich can send their children to the best schools; there is no social justice if many of the brightest have no access to the best education.

This question is the most crucial test of genuine socialist conversion I can think of.

Yours sincerely,

Trevor Cox

Croydon

3 October