Not Happy with Rishi’s maths
Norton says A-level plan is bad for arts & humanities students
JAMES Norton has attacked Rishi Sunak’s plan to make children study maths until they are 18.
The Prime Minister unveiled his idea for extra lessons as his big new policy in a relaunch speech last month. But Happy Valley star James, 37, yesterday urged ministers to “nurture” pupils who are better at other subjects such as drama. Asked how the arts can be opened up for children across the country, he said: “Well, first thing you do is you don’t follow Rishi Sunak’s advice and make everyone take maths through to A-level.
“You nurture arts and humanities all the way through school and allow kids to take on courses which aren’t necessarily as practical and vocational,” the actor told the News Agents podcast
James plays villain Tommy Lee Royce in the BBC drama, which came to a close on Sunday after three series.
The finale was widely praised by fans and was watched by more than 7.5 million people – the biggest TV audience so far this year.
James has previously raised concerns about the government failing to tackle corruption and Brexit.
In 2018 he said of Britain leaving the EU: “My heart is broken. It feels like we are spiralling out of control and no one is willing to put the brakes on.”
His criticism of Mr Sunak’s maths plan comes after fellow actor Simon Pegg launched an expletive filled rant about the idea last month.
He said: “Our unmandated, unelected prime minister, has decided it should be compulsory to learn maths up until the age of 18 – what a pr***”.
“What about arts and humanities and fostering this country’s amazing reputation for creativity?”
He added: “I hated maths. I dropped maths as soon as I could and I’ve never needed it other than the skillset I acquired at the age of 12.
“But no. Rishi Sunak wants a f***ing drone army of data-entering robots.”