Unions poured scorn yesterday on Education Secretary Michael Gove's effort to become teachers' pet by backing "tougher" punishments for unruly pupils.

Litter-picking, scrubbing graffiti and writing lines are among traditional classroom discipline techniques Mr Gove wants to see make a return.

"People need to understand that there are consequences if they break those rules and teachers have the power to enforce them," he told the Andrew Marr show.