"It's really important to say this. Often the faith schools were founded before the state provided education. I want good education in this country so I'm not going to slag off faith schools. I think that it's important that people of different backgrounds and different faiths go to school together and many faith schools do that"

In this quote, Ed Miliband is stressing the importance of acknowledging the historical context of faith schools. He acknowledges that these schools were typically established before the state offered education, and therefore have a considerable function in the education system. Nevertheless, he also expresses his desire for quality education in the country and states that he will not criticize faith schools. He believes that it is vital for individuals from varied backgrounds and faiths to go to school together, and he acknowledges that lots of faith schools successfully accomplish this. In general, Miliband highlights the value of inclusivity and variety in education.