On Monday, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, presented a plan to enhance the teaching of mathematics in secondary schools. Reaffirming his earlier commitment to overturning the prevailing negative attitude towards maths in the country. Sunak censured the UK’s ‘anti-math’ culture, which he believed was impeding the country’s development and called for a greater appreciation of numeracy, placing it on an equal footing with reading proficiency. 

“Although we may make light-hearted jokes about our lack of mathematical ability, we would never find it amusing to joke about being unable to read. Our current endeavours aim to shift our negative attitudes towards maths and take a step forward in providing all young individuals with the necessary skills for a prosperous future,” The Prime Minister, who has Indian ancestry, shared a four-step plan on Twitter aimed at improving mathematics education as a key component of his government’s efforts to hasten economic growth. 

The fine points indicate that there will be a revamp of the country’s approach to mathematics, through the establishment of a new panel of education specialists. In addition to this, there will be an increase in the number of maths hubs to aid in teaching and the creation of new professional certifications for leaders in primary school mathematics. The proposal is in line with his previous statements, which include his initial significant address this year in January, where he expressed his desire for all students in the UK to study mathematics until they reach the age of 18. 

According to a report by a news agency, the United Kingdom has ranked among the least numerate countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development bloc, with more than 8  million adults in the country having maths skills lower than what is expected of a 9-year-old. Sunak’s proposal holds importance as it coincides with UK teachers planning to go on strike at the end of the month because of insufficient salaries. This is happening while the country is dealing with a high cost of living crisis and double-digit inflation.