Contributions
941 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Apprenticeships and T-LevelsI have heard the shadow Minister mention that already, and I believe he has already received a response. [Interruption.] No, the shadow Minister has already received a response.20 Nov 2024HANSARD Apprenticeships and T-LevelsI am going to make progress, and then I will take some interventions if I can. We are introducing new shorter-duration apprenticeships and foundation apprenticeships as a first…20 Nov 2024HANSARDWorld Children’s Day 2024Today is World Children’s Day, marking the 35th anniversary of the date that the UN adopted the convention on the rights of the child, setting out the fundamental rights held by…20 Nov 2024HANSARD Apprenticeships and T-LevelsIt is a privilege to speak with you in the Chair, Sir Christopher. I congratulate the right hon. Member for East Hampshire (Damian Hinds) on securing this important debate, and I…20 Nov 2024HANSARD Educational OpportunitiesIt is a real honour to respond to this debate on this important matter, and I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Tony Vaughan) for securing it, and for its…13 Nov 2024HANSARD Educational OpportunitiesI have so much to get through that I am afraid I cannot. Skills policy has too often been made in isolation, leading to a system that is confusing for employers and individuals,…13 Nov 2024HANSARD Educational OpportunitiesThis Government are committed to tackling child poverty. As I have already outlined as regards the poverty taskforce, many of the issues and areas are continuing to be reviewed…13 Nov 2024HANSARD Kinship CarersI thank my hon. Friend for his significant work and knowledge in this area, which he keenly demonstrates, and for his many significant points, which we will continue to consider.13 Nov 2024HANSARD Kinship CarersI congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Hitchin (Alistair Strathern) on securing this important debate. He has a keen interest in supporting kinship carers, and it is great…13 Nov 2024HANSARD Kinship CarersI thank my hon. Friend for that example. If he will allow me to continue, I will address the inconsistencies across local authorities. We have heard about such real-life examples,…13 Nov 2024HANSARD Kinship CarersI will make some progress, but if I have time later, I will let my hon. Friend in. The Government recognise the important role that kinship carers play. Our manifesto is committed…13 Nov 2024HANSARD Kinship CarersI will make some progress, but again, I will give way later if I have time. The investment is the single biggest made by any Government in kinship care to date. Our ambition is…13 Nov 2024HANSARD Kinship CarersThere we are—another bit of lobbying. I recognise the work of local authorities and the letter; a process will be rolled out, and we will give everybody the opportunity to apply.13 Nov 2024HANSARD Kinship CarersI will not repeat what I have said—it still stands.13 Nov 2024HANSARD Kinship CarersMy hon. Friend makes a significant point. There is lots more that needs to be done in this space, and her point demonstrates that much more work is needed.13 Nov 2024HANSARD Kinship CarersI am afraid that I need to make some progress. I am pleased to confirm that the Government are supporting the delivery of 140 peer support groups across England. That is a vital…13 Nov 2024HANSARDSkills and EmploymentThis Government are about fixing the foundations. To help do this, we have launched an independent curriculum and assessment review, which aims to enable all young people to…04 Nov 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe have recently required all schools to provide that data, so that we can find out where the young carers are and ensure that they gain the support that they need. Through the…04 Nov 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe Department considers level 2 English and maths to be essential, so students without those qualifications are required to continue studying to achieve them. The independent…04 Nov 2024HANSARDYoung Carers: School AbsenceWe want to ensure that we support young carers in school, as well as other children who may be suffering from mental health conditions. This Government are entirely committed to…04 Nov 2024