Performance of working-class white boys under spotlight

BORIS Johnson’s commission on racial inequality will examine why workingclass white boys fall behind in school, as part of a wider examination of disparities in society.

No10 said that, while race and ethnicity will be the primary focus of the commission, its remit will also include ways of implementing the Conservatives’ “levelling up” agenda to equalise opportunities for all.

Mr Johnson responded to critics – who said he should be implementing the findings of previous reviews rather than ordering another one – by saying that the Government was already acting on recommendations made by shadow justice secretary David Lammy and other past inquiries.

A No10 spokesman said: “The aim of the commission is to set out a new policy agenda for change, balancing the needs of individuals, communities and society, maximising opportunities and ensuring fairness for all.

“It will look at wider inequalities including issues facing working-class white boys in schools, for example.”

The chairman of the commission has not yet been chosen, but sources close to the selection process suggested a black religious leader could be approached. Early names in the frame include Rose Hudson-wilkin, the Bishop of Dover and the Church of England’s first black woman bishop; John Sentamu, the former Archbishop of York, and Katharine Birbalsingh, the founder and head teacher of the Michaela Community School in London.

Responding to claims that he should be taking action rather than setting up a review, Mr Johnson said: “The whole point of having a review is to look at the areas where people feel there is more to be done. We have already acted on the [2017] Lammy report and we will continue to do more to make sure for instance that young black boys don’t automatically get moved to prosecution and more BAME groups in the prison service and probation service.”