IN BRIEF (Page 12)

United Kingdom

Labour Party plans to abolish private schools

Britain's main opposition Labour Party would abolish private schools if it comes to power, a move for which finance policy chief John McDonnell said on Monday the party would begin drawing up proposals. At its annual conference in the English seaside resort of Brighton, the Labour Party passed a motion supported by leftist groups to abolish private schools and integrate them into the state sector to help dismantle "the privilege of a tiny ... elite". Labour is introducing new policies at its conference, hoping to present itself as a government in waiting to replace Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who went to the elite Eton school, at an election widely expected this year. About 7 percent of British pupils are educated at private schools, but critics say they dominate places at top universities and are far over-represented in senior roles in politics, law, media and business.

Kenya

7 killed as school collapses in Nairobi

A school collapsed in Kenya's capital on Monday, and officials said at least seven children were killed. Two others were critical condition. Parents wailed at the scene of The Precious Talent Top School in Nairobi. Hundreds of people gathered as emergency workers picked through debris. It was not clear whether anyone was trapped underneath. Kenyatta National Hospital later said 64 children had been admitted and that two of them were in critical condition.

Reuters - AP

(China Daily 09/24/2019 page12)