Jewish MP Robert Halfon is made an education minister
Harlow MP Robert Halfon - who chaired the Education Select Committee - has previously said his Jewish faith influences him because' tradition is focused around education, work ethic, compassion and support for the state of Israel'
The Jewish MP Robert Halfon has been confirmed as an education minister in Rishi Sunak’s new government.
The Harlow MP, who has chaired the education select committee, said he was “looking forward to working with colleagues to deliver the prime minister’s exciting education & skills agenda to ensure every student can climb the educational ladder of opportunity, after confirming his appointment.
Former skills minister Gillian Keegan was on Wednesday confirmed as the new education secretary, replacing Kit Malthouse, who was appointed by ex-PM Liz truss.
Conservative Friends of Israel supporter Halfon now joins the department along with ex-schools minister Nick Gibb.
He has previously said:”I am a proud Jewish Member of Parliament. My faith influences me because Jewish tradition is focused around education, work ethic, compassion and support for the state of Israel.”
Halfon has been outspoken over the need for an “education catch-up” for pupils following the disruption caused by the pandemic.
Chairing the education select committee for five years, he also spoke out about the need for the government to tackle antisemitism across university campuses.
He is also believed to favour Sunak’s plans for education reforms, including a new“British baccalaureate”, which would require children to study a wider range of subjects in post-16 education, with English and maths compulsory.
An MP since 2010, Halfon has previously been deputy chair of the Tory Party, as well as a former minister for skills.
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