Coalville councillor Craig Smith believes a 'confident and educated next generation' will make for a stronger United Kingdom.

The Conservative county councillor for Coalville North has criticised Labour's latest proposals for reforming the school curriculum, saying they risk turning education into a tool for political indoctrination.

He references Bridget Phillipson, the Shadow Education Secretary, who has announced plans to "decolonise" subjects she claims are "too monocultural" and "outdated," including British history and even Shakespeare. 

Cllr Smith said: "Instead of focusing on imparting knowledge and inspiring critical thinking, Labour's vision appears to prioritise activism over education.

"Schools should be places where children learn how to think, not what to think. 

"Yet Labour's agenda seems intent on pushing contested political theories into classrooms. By labelling essential parts of our cultural heritage as outdated, they risk dividing students along ethnic and ideological lines, replacing shared national identity with fragmentation.

"The consequences of such politicisation are already visible. 

"In Labour-run Wales and SNP-run Scotland, politically charged curriculums have resulted in declining educational standards and divided communities. These regions serve as stark warnings of what could happen across the UK if Labour's vision is implemented nationwide."

Cllr Smith adds that Ms Phillipson's proposals go beyond the classroom, saying they reflect 'Labour's broader obsession with "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) principles that are increasingly being used to reshape public institutions.'

He added: "While DEI can have a place in fostering inclusion, Labour's approach threatens to balkanise society, dividing us rather than uniting us. 

"After decades of mass migration, maintaining a cohesive national identity has never been more critical yet Labour's plans risk further eroding what binds us together.

"A strong 'United Kingdom' depends on a confident and educated next generation. That means teaching British history, literature, and contributions to the world with pride, not disdain. Classrooms should inspire curiosity and critical thinking not push ideological agendas that polarise society.

"Instead of dismantling the curriculum, the new government should focus on raising educational standards and ensuring every child has access to quality education. Banning activism in classrooms, protecting free speech, and teaching the richness of British heritage are essential steps to achieve this.

"Labour's plans are not just misguided; they are dangerous. The politicisation of education undermines the very purpose of schools and risks creating a generation divided by ideology. It's time to say no to activism in classrooms and defend our children's right to an education rooted in knowledge, not indoctrination. Our children deserve better and so does Britain."