The Shadow Education Secretary has spoken out against the Welsh Government’s decision to remove Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men from the GCSE curriculum, citing concerns over outdated language and offensive themes.

Natasha Asghar MS argues that the book ban is counterproductive and limits educational opportunities:

“Instead of banning Of Mice and Men, we should teach it within its historical context, showing students how overt racism and sexism was commonplace and accepted in the past and why this was harmful and wrong.

“Censorship… prevents young people from confronting and understanding these prejudices some of which, sadly continue.

“Instead of banning a classic text, we would do better to challenge media companies that produce music containing misogynistic language and words with racism connotations.”