PRIMARY schools which suspended gay and transgender rights lessons amid protests should resume them, a former education watchdog said yesterday.

At least five across Birmingham halted the classes after hundreds of furious Muslim parents picketed the school gates.

But ex-Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw said those with conservative religious views must understand they are living in a “liberal” country.

And he angrily demanded ministers give heads more support to stand up to parents.

He told Radio 4’s Today programme: “People who have these very conservative views, sincerely held, have also got to accept they are living in this country, with the views the country holds.”

Sir Michael said schools should “absolutely reinstate” the lessons.

He added there should be strong backing from politicians “to make it clear they will not tolerate this sort of behaviour”.

A Department for Education spokesman said: “We want children to know there are many types of people, and relationships — that’s why we are making relationships education compulsory in all primary schools from 2020.”