The TUC has expressed deep disappointment at the recommendation of the Maurice Smith review not to recommend that BNP membership should be incompatible with being a teacher.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: ‘This is deeply disappointing and I hope ministers will not close the door to this common-sense policy.

‘The Race Relations Act (2000) places public services, and therefore public servants, under a duty to eliminate race discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity.

‘We simply do not believe that it is possible for those who have joined a political party that promotes racism to protect young people from discrimination.’

More information: Maurice Smith Review