Michael Gove refuses to apologise over UKIP fostering storm

Mr Gove launched an investigation last week after reports that three children were taken away from their foster parents due to the carers being members of UKIP, branding the move “indefensible.”

But Mr Healey rounded on Mr Gove in the House of Commons yesterday, demanding he apologise for speaking out before the probe was completed

Mr Healey said: “Last week, the Secretary of State condemned a foster care decision made by social workers in Rotherham, who he said had made

"the wrong decision in the wrong way for the wrong reasons.

“He knew nothing about that complex case and had done nothing to check the facts, which was completely wrong for a minister in his position. Will he now apologise?”

A defiant Mr Gove replied: “Absolutely not.”

Rotherham Borough Council said that it would co-operate fully with a Department for Education investigation into the situation.