No reversion in that direction yet, guest. Wirral, Kent, Lincs etc never went comprehensive in the first place. Education in NI is obviously better for the select few; not so good for the rest. But also bear in mind that a high proportion of state schools there are faith-based and therefore better funded.

Blair wants to see more faith-based schools in England and Wales (he has even been supportive of a school in Gateshead that teaches creationism instead of evolution). And of course that would bring in more money and would no doubt raise standards. But in my view the state should not be looking to the churches to pick up a tab it should be picking up itself.

Just to repeat, guest, Abbott is urging other parents who can afford to follow her example (ie people like you) not to do so, for the sake of the kids who are stuck with the state system regardless. Anyone but a kindred spirit would find that stance ludicrous.