Twenty-six top UK scientists and science educators, including an Anglican priest, have said the Government should make evolution explicit in the new science curriculum for English primary schools.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is the latest body to condemn attempts to propagate the teaching of creationism in school science lessons, following guidelines on the subject issued recently by the British government.

Following a number of requests, the UK Department of Children, Schools, and Families has issued guidance for teachers uncertain whether and how to discuss creationism – which is rejected by both scientists and theologians as lacking factual and theoretical value.