Simon Pegg could scarcely disguise the contempt in his voice as he blasted the Prime Minister for announcing he is considering plans to make Maths compulsory in schools up until the age of 18. The horrified actor exclaimed: “F**k you, Rishi Sunak!” in a no-holds-barred Instagram rant.
The 52-year-old actor, screenwriter and producer, fiercely argued that the UK should be promoting “creativity and self-expression” instead.
Mission Impossible star Simon declared: “The unelected Prime Minister twice removed has decided that it should be compulsory for children to learn Maths up until the age of 18. What a p***k!
“What about arts and humanities and fostering this country’s amazing reputation for creativity and self-expression?”
He looked crestfallen as he added forlornly: “What about the kids who don’t wanna do Maths?
According to current government statistics, around eight million British adults have the numeracy skills of primary school children.
Meanwhile, it has been claimed that 60% of disadvantaged pupils lack basic Maths skills altogether by age 16.
Rishi is keen to compete with other nations, such as Finland, France, Norway and the USA, by introducing the new rules.
“Right now, just half of all 16-year-olds study any maths at all,” he explained.
“Yet in a world where data is everywhere and statistics underpin every job, our children’s jobs will require more analytical skills than ever before.”
However, Labour has argued that his target is unrealistic, with Keir Starmer pointing out that one in six Maths teachers in England leaves the profession after just a single year.
He believes the key to success lies in tackling the severe shortage of staff members, amid a backdrop of strike action and unrest.
Meanwhile, even some maths aces have taken issue with Rishi’s proposal, with guest writer Kit Yates announcing in the Guardian: “As a mathematician, I fear Rishi Sunak’s plan for compulsory maths doesn’t add up.”
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