Contributions
1,330 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDStudent Loans: ReviewI am afraid that I do not agree with the noble Baroness that reducing the numbers of people who can benefit from higher education is the most effective way to address this issue,…24 Feb 2026HANSARDSchools White Paper: Every Child Achieving and ThrivingThe noble Baroness is right that I know that constituency very well, having proudly represented it for 13 years—although I am afraid that the history of Worcestershire’s approach…24 Feb 2026HANSARDSchools White Paper: Every Child Achieving and ThrivingMy Lords, our White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving , sets out our ambition to improve the lives of all children and young people, combining the support they receive at…24 Feb 2026HANSARDStudent Loans: ReviewI wonder whether the noble Earl has had the opportunity to discuss with some of his colleagues whether they believe that the system that they introduced is a scam. This is a…24 Feb 2026HANSARDStudent Loans: ReviewI know the noble Lord would not want the suggestion to be made that the level of debt impacts on the amount anybody repays in any given month, because, of course, that is wrong.…24 Feb 2026HANSARDFree Speech Complaints SchemeI cannot quite remember when it was that I appeared in front of the committee on that report, but I enjoyed the experience. I do not think it will be very long, from memory.23 Feb 2026HANSARDV-levelsThe noble Lord is right that good careers advice is important. Some 96% of secondary schools and colleges are now in careers hubs, connecting them to employers and apprenticeship…23 Feb 2026HANSARDFree Speech Complaints SchemeStudents can already express complaints through the Office of the Independent Adjudicator. The plan for the complaints scheme was that it should focus on staff, visiting speakers…23 Feb 2026HANSARDV-levelsNearly 85,000 students have started a T-level since the launch in 2020, and we saw considerable growth last year in the numbers of students taking them up. We are seeing…23 Feb 2026HANSARDFree Speech Complaints SchemeI hope that the noble Baroness had a relaxing recess. As I said in response to her noble friend, a range of options has been proposed. I am not quite sure that the legal advice is…23 Feb 2026HANSARDFree Speech Complaints SchemeAs I made clear in my Answer, we have committed to introducing the revised complaints process. It is normal practice not to comment on future legislative opportunities. However, I…23 Feb 2026HANSARDV-levelsThe only thing about which I disagree with my noble friend is that that is not the only mess left by the previous Government that we have had to clear up.23 Feb 2026HANSARDV-levelsThe noble Lord makes a fair point, which is why at level 3 we want to ensure that there are three clear routes—through A-levels, T-levels and V-levels—while at levels 4 and 5,…23 Feb 2026HANSARDFree Speech Complaints SchemeI have not seen much evidence that the noble Lord is being silenced, but it remains an important part of free speech provisions to be able to protest legitimately—but not, of…23 Feb 2026HANSARDFree Speech Complaints SchemeMy Lords, the Government are absolutely committed to freedom of speech and academic freedom. I can confirm that the Secretary of State and I have considered the letter and the…23 Feb 2026HANSARDFree Speech Complaints SchemeThe noble Baroness is right that the freezing of tuition fees by the previous Government put considerable financial strain on the university sector, which is why I am sure she…23 Feb 2026HANSARDV-levelsI have had the chance to talk to students in colleges that are delivering successful T-level provision in the north, but I understand the point that the noble Lord is making. As I…23 Feb 2026HANSARDV-levelsMy Lords, V-levels will deliver a once-in-a-generation reform to 16-19 vocational education, supporting our goal for two-thirds of young people to reach higher-level study or…23 Feb 2026HANSARDV-levelsThe noble Lord is of course right that we need good jobs for young people. We also need investment in their education and training, which this Government are putting in place. The…23 Feb 2026HANSARDV-levelsAs a former head of department, I am not sure that I completely agree with the noble Lord that all the important decisions are made by heads of department, but it is certainly the…23 Feb 2026