Downing Street's claims that this vital paper has only been held up because Tony Blair wants to present it personally alongside Margaret Hodge and is too busy at the moment will fool no-one. It would obviously be impossible to publish the Green Paper in the midst of this storm, but the excuse given does not stack up.
It is interesting, however, that Mrs Hodge's tenure as early years minister provoked no such reaction from those who are shouting loudly now. This really highlights what a low profile the early years sector has for many in the media and politics - they neither understand it nor give it the priority it should have. This is one reason that Mrs Hodge was welcomed back by those in the sector, and why they are still reluctant to withdraw support. She knows her stuff and makes a big noise. This kind of high-profile attention was not what everybody wanted, of course!
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