Announcement today of the appointment of Margaret Hodge as the new Minister for Children; the appointment is seen as a response to the Laming Enquiry into the Victoria Climbie tragedy which highlighted the need for better coordination of services for young children. Hodge says: "I'm convinced we can achieve an approach to children's services that provides the best support they need for a happy and secure childhood" ; shadow education secretary Damian Green commented rather sourly "We can only hope that her views have matured since she launched a booklet discussing a ban on skipping ropes, musical chairs and GCSE grades below C."