A new law in Texas mandating Bible instruction in public schools has ignited a fierce diplomatic spat. The row pits American conservatives against UK ministers who warn of a dangerous precedent.
The Texas Education Agency confirmed that from September, all primary schools must teach 'the historical and literary significance of the Bible'. Critics cry foul, calling it a thinly veiled attempt to push Christian nationalism.
Downing Street sources are privately fuming. One aide called it 'a direct challenge to our shared values of secular education'. The Foreign Office has issued a carefully worded statement expressing 'concern'. But don't expect a formal protest. Not yet.
The White House is watching closely. A senior US official told me: 'This is one for the courts. But the optics are terrible for us globally.'
Why now? The Texas move is the latest salvo in America's culture wars. Governor Greg Abbott, eyeing a presidential run, is playing to his base. But the backlash is real. Even some evangelicals are uneasy.
The UK education secretary, under pressure from Labour, has written to her US counterpart. The letter, leaked to me, warns of 'unintended consequences for religious harmony'. A polite threat.
This is a gift for the lobbyists. Both sides are mobilising. Expect a torrent of op-eds and think-tank reports. The real battle is over the narrative: Is this religious freedom or state-sponsored indoctrination?
Polling data is mixed. American voters are split along predictable lines. But internationally, the UK's stance is popular. The French are already crowing about laicité.
The Game: This is a proxy war. The Texas law is a test case. If it survives legal challenges, expect copycat legislation in other red states. The UK is trying to build a coalition of like-minded nations to push back. But with the US midterms looming, don't hold your breath.
Inside Westminster, the mood is fractious. Tory backbenchers are split. Some see an opportunity to bash 'woke' American liberals. Others fear alienating moderate voters. Labour is united: they smell blood.
The real story is the silence from the White House. They are letting the UK take the lead, for now. But if the row escalates, expect a quiet phone call. The special relationship is tested, but not broken.
For now, the Bible remains on the shelf in Texas classrooms. But the row is just beginning.
