QUOTES OF THE DAY

“The court’s decision is therefore a victory for all schools. Schools should not be forced by one child and her mother to change its approach simply because they have decided they don’t like something at the school”

– Michaela Community School headteacher Katherine Birbalsingh says a ruling dismissing a Muslim student’s High Court challenge against a ban on prayer rituals at her school is a “victory”.

“The principle of equality under the law is a fundamental one. It underpins many of my personal beliefs. We should not treat legally competent adults differently in this way, where people born a day apart will have permanently different rights”

– Cabinet minister Kemi Badenoch

says she will vote against Rishi Sunak’s plans to ban young people

from ever smoking.

“It took me years to quit. It’s one of my biggest regrets, actually. I’ve got two young kids now and the fact that they will never be able to walk into a shop and buy a packet of cigarettes is something I welcome”

– Home Office minister Laura Farris, above, says she took up smoking at the age of 12 and is glad her children will never be able to legally buy cigarettes under Government plans.

“I’m working really hard and getting my body fully back in rehab and physio, I’ve got a brilliant team. So fingers crossed I’ll be back on your screens dancing later this year. If Strictly will have me back, I’ll be back”

– Dancer Amy Dowden says she is “working hard” to get her body ready for a return to Strictly Come Dancing following her battle with breast cancer.