The number of pupils suspended from school because of racist abuse has soared by nearly 30% according to new figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats.

Figures obtained from Parliamentary Questions show that there were 3,390 temporary exclusions for racist abuse in 2004-5 (the most recently available year).

The figures also show:

*        The 29% rise in suspensions due to racist abuse over the previous year represents the largest rise in the different categories of suspensions.
*        The total number of temporary exclusions rose 13% over a year.
*        There were 3,080 suspensions due to sexual misconduct, a rise of 13%.
*        A quarter of all suspensions were due to physical assaults against a pupil or adult.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary, Sarah Teather MP said:

"These suspensions are another shocking picture of the poor state of race relations in Britain today.

"That so many young people are resorting to vile racist abuse in the playground is deeply disturbing.

"Such hateful language and behaviour has no place in civilised society and coming from children it is even more abhorrent.

"Government initiatives on citizenship classes are clearly failing miserably. Action must be taken to stop the rot - we need our schools to teach tolerance, not breed hate."