Minister ends push formore faith schools

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Mr Balls told MPs he wanted to end any confusion over Labour's position, declaring "we are not leading a drive for more faith schools".

He also stressed that Catholic schools had a duty to promote sex education and said he would be "concerned" if the Church told its schools not to take part in multi-faith city academies.

Last month, the Catholic Bishop of Lancaster said he opposed plans to make schools teach contraception. Mr Balls's remarks contrast with those of predecessor Ruth Kelly and those of Mr Blair, both of whom advocated more religious-based schools.

The comments by the Children, Schools and Families Secretary will be welcomed by many Labour MPs, who were nervous about Mr Blair and Ms Kelly's backing for religious schools.