New report suggests more cadets in schools

A new government-commissioned report has suggested that schools incorporate more initiatives educating pupils about the armed forces.

MP Quentin Davies wrote the study, which proposes that more state school students are encouraged to join cadet forces, as well as suggesting the introduction of a new public holiday to recognise the military and celebrate veterans.

Although the report has won praise from armed forces minister Bob Ainsworth, the acting general secretary of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) has expressed concerns about its implications.

Earlier this year the union voted in favour of scrapping military recruitment in schools.

And Christine Blower, its acting general secretary, has said that while she supports an "invigoration of youth services", any involvement of the armed forces in the timetable should be carried out in an "ethical and appropriate manner".

She argued that while the army does "valuable and essential work", a "balanced view" must be presented in schools, noting: "It is right for teachers to raise for public debate the fact that youngsters with limited job prospects are being targeted for careers in the military."