Contributions
941 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDNew Further Education College Condition AllocationMy noble Friend the Minister of State for Skills (Jacqui Smith), has made the following statement: The Government’s first priority is economic growth, which requires a strong…01 Apr 2025HANSARD Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [Lords]I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend that the Bill will help young people to gain the skills that they need—in his wonderful constituency and in many other wonderful…31 Mar 2025HANSARD Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [Lords]I thank hon. Members for their constructive engagement throughout the debate. However, from listening to the shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Harborough, Oadby and Wigston…31 Mar 2025HANSARD Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [Lords]Information on that will come out in due course, but if the right hon. Member gives me a little more time, I will be able to elaborate and respond to Members as I go. New clauses…31 Mar 2025HANSARD Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [Lords]I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time. We are on a mission to deliver strong and sustainable economic growth and to break down the barriers to opportunity.…31 Mar 2025HANSARD Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [Lords]I absolutely hear my hon. Friend and his concern for level 7. I do not want to stray too far from the Bill and what it seeks to achieve, but I am very happy to look at that…31 Mar 2025HANSARDLooked After Children (Distance Placements) BillI am pleased that the Bill provides the opportunity to consider the importance of residential children’s homes, and the sufficiency of placements. My hon. Friend the Member for…28 Mar 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)I hear what the shadow Minister is saying and will endeavour to get more information to him on those points. He asked about the flexibility of apprenticeships and levies. I wrote…20 Mar 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)I did not expect the Members opposite to respond anyway.20 Mar 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)As I have already said, the devolved areas will work on LSIPs with ERBs and maintain a close and strong relationship with Skills England. LSIPs provide ongoing mechanisms through…20 Mar 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)Across the UK, almost one in 10 of more than 2.5 million roles in critical demand—20 Mar 2025HANSARDFamilies First Partnership ProgrammeToday, I am launching the programme guide for the families first partnership programme, which will begin delivery from April 2025. This represents a major milestone in the…20 Mar 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)More than 90% of those roles require periods of work-related training or education.20 Mar 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)Government amendment 1 lets the Secretary of State make regulations that determine the date, or dates, when clauses 1 to 8 and schedules 1 to 3 come into force. The other…20 Mar 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)Clause 13 contains provisions to ensure continuity and consistency of functions that are transferred from IfATE to the Secretary of State. This will allow functions already…20 Mar 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)I ask the hon. Gentleman to allow me to proceed further, because there is so much to say. We have announced £300 million of additional revenue for further education, with £50…20 Mar 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)I am sorry, Ms Furniss. This is very flustering. As I said, we have had 14 years of complacency and neglect from the previous Government. Following the reforms they introduced,…20 Mar 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)This mission-driven Government have a plan for change. The need to boost Britain’s skill is crucial. We need skills to drive growth, to build homes, to deliver energy security and…20 Mar 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)Government amendment 1 is crucial to ensure that Skills England is not unnecessarily held back. Transformation is under way—businesses and employers cannot afford to wait.…20 Mar 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [ Lords ] (Fourth sitting)The letter addressing the issues that the hon. Member for Harborough, Oadby and Wigston and the right hon. Member for East Hampshire have raised has been sent to Sir Christopher,…20 Mar 2025