Simon Pegg has blasted the government over plans to make maths mandatory until the age of 18.
Rishi Sunak announced his controversial maths to 18 plan in his first speech of 2023, stating that he wanted everyone to benefit from education, like he has. However, the proposal has been met with criticism from education experts, politicians, members of the public - and Pegg.
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In a video shared on Instagram, the actor, comedian and writer blasted Sunak and the Government over the plan.
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"So Rishi Sunak, our unmandated, 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," the 52-year-old said.
"What about arts and humanities, and fostering this country's amazing reputation for creativity and self-expression? What about that?
"What about the kids who don't want to do maths? 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 the f**king drone army of data-entering robots.
"What a t****r. F**k the Tories, get rid of them - please!
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"F**k, f**k you Rishi Sunak and f**k the Tories!"
Well, it'd be nice if any of our politicians spoke this directly or passionately, wouldn't it?
It's not just celebrities in the arts who are dead against the plan either. In fact, maths queen Carol Vorderman has even spoken out against it.
Speaking on Nick Ferrari's LBC show on Thursday, Vorderman - who stated she is 'politically independent' and that her interest lies with what is best for children - said listening to Sunak's speech made her question if she is living in a 'parallel universe'.
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"People are suffering. I came from a very poor family – single parent, three kids – I was born in 1960 so I'm aged 62 now, and I was a free school meals kid all my life; I know how hard it is," she said.
"He's saying 'Oh, my education was important'. Yes, it was important, you went to Winchester which is like Eton B, it's a private school."
She added: "Does he have any conception of what real people are having to go through and the lack of opportunities for children?
"And the only way we can change this country is when children particularly are given equal opportunity. I am deeply passionate about it."
Reflecting on the PM's proposed maths to 18 scheme, Vorderman said 'the system is not working for that'.
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She said she thinks students are leaving the education system innumerate for a 'host of reasons', claiming: "I support teachers but in primary school, most teachers, almost all, gave up maths at 16 at GCSE level.
"It's a bit of an elephant in the room in education because they're a bit fearful of teaching it."
She added that if students get to the age of 14 and are 'anxious' about numbers, she feels there is no point in teaching them more complex equations like trigonometry, but rather the focus should be on practical skills.
The Government reportedly does not envisage making maths A-level compulsory for all 16-year-olds, and further detail will be set out in due course.
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Ministers are instead exploring existing routes, such as the Core Maths qualifications and T-Levels, as well as more innovative options.
Sunak said more analytical skills than ever before are needed in the job sector and the education of children should reflect this.
Topics: Politics, UK News, Simon Pegg, Rishi Sunak
Jake Massey