The Liberal Democrats have announced the launch of a '4Rs commission' to encourage innovative thinking on primary education policies. The commission, which will be independent of the parliamentary party will be chaired by Dr Bethan Marshall, senior lecturer in education at King's College London and includes former children's TV presenter Floella Benjamin. The neglect of the '4th R' - articulation, will be among the commission's priority topics. Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary, Sarah Teather MP said: "Mountains of tests and targets for reading, writing and arithmetic have led to neglect of vital speaking and listening skills among our youngest children. Language skills are essential if we want pupils to express themselves with confidence and improve their learning and behaviour. But children's speaking and listening skills seem to be deteriorating year on year.