Education debate shut down in Wales, Stephen Crabb claims

Welsh Secretary Stephen Crabb has defended his criticism of schools in Wales, claiming the debate over education is being "shut down".

He said he was simply being "ambitious" for Wales in wanting to improve school standards.

Education Minister Huw Lewis accused him of trying to "frighten gullible voters" with stories of "dysfunctional" public services in Wales.

Labour and the Tories have previously waged a bitter row over health.

'Dishonourable'

"Stephen Crabb is meant to be Wales' voice round the cabinet table... with friends like that Wales doesn't need enemies," Mr Lewis told BBC Wales on Monday.

"It's dishonourable, disreputable and the Welsh public can see right through this stuff."

In response, Mr Crabb said: "Education in Wales used to be held up as a beacon of excellence.

"We can get back to that place - we need to be ambitious for learning and education, and be ambitious for our economy."