Labour's plans to 'diversify' national curriculum branded 'nonsense': 'It's ideological indoctrination!'

"I think it's outrageous that she's been appointed to do it. It will be ideological indoctrination, there's no doubt about that," he said.

Labour Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has initiated a review to "refresh" what is taught in schools across England.

The changes will be mandatory for all state schools, including academies that previously had the option to opt out.

Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott also criticised the initiative, arguing the DfE should focus on tackling absence rates instead of "fiddling with our academic curriculum."

Baker criticised what he described as the radical left's approach to addressing historical issues.

"The radical left seemed determined to do nothing but destroy and to pour shame on the heads of people today for the crimes of the past, and that's just wrong," he stated.

"Appreciating what happened in the past, recognising the good and the evil, but then moving forward constructively together, that's where we should be," Baker added.

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He condemned attempts to make people accept blame for historical events, calling it "a wicked thing to do."

Drawing from his experience as MP for Wycombe, Baker shared conversations with constituents about cultural heritage.

"You don't need left wing ideological indoctrination to just be civil and hear people out," he stated.

He advocated for what he called "a nice Conservative way to just be civil to one another and understand where other people are coming from."

Baker concluded: "I think it's outrageous that she's [Phillipson] been appointed to do it. It will be ideological indoctrination, there's no doubt about that."

An interim report is expected in early 2025, with full recommendations to follow later in the year.

Conservative former education minister Sir John Hayes has warned the changes would "undermine the education of young people."

"The truth of the matter is there's a canon of English literature, there's a factual basis to learning, and you can't twist the facts to suit your political agenda," Hayes said.