Gordon Brown to become UN schools envoy

Former prime minister Gordon Brown is to become the UN’s special envoy for global education.

The role will see the MP lead a campaign to meet the Millennium Development Goal for every child to be at school by the end of 2015.

He will accompany UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon on a tour of Asia in August, as part of his new position.

Mr Brown said: “Ensuring that every child in the world has the opportunity to go to school and to learn is a long-standing passion of mine. Education breaks the cycle of poverty and unlocks better health and better job prospects. Enrolling an additional 61 million children and ensuring a quality education for all by the end of 2015 will not be easy but it is a goal which, working together, we can achieve.

“I am delighted I have had support and encouragement for this international work from organisations within my own constituency of Kirkcaldy.”