The issue focused on Ms Stewart's remarks about teaching mathematics as if it were only about mathematics and mathematics alone. She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that mathematics should not be viewed "just as an abstract academic discipline". "What mathematics really means is mathematics," she said. "So mathematics doesn't exist apart from mathematics." Ms Stewart also drew criticism from mathematicians who questioned whether mathematics itself should be viewed as separate from mathematics teaching. Stephen Hawkins, professor of mathematics at Birmingham City University, told BBC Radio 4's