Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Higher Education: Staffordshire

09 October 2024 · 4 other contributors

Opened by Adam Jogee Lab Newcastle-under-Lyme

Education

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Adam Jogee raised concerns about higher education: staffordshire in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Adam Jogee, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, highlighted Keele University's 75th anniversary and its role as one of England's top universities for teaching and research excellence.
  • Jogee discussed the university's economic impact and commitment to sustainability and community involvement, including the 'Keele in Town' programme.
  • Minister Janet Daby congratulated Jogee and others, emphasizing the Government's commitment to a sustainable funding model for universities to meet the country's skill needs.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Adam Jogee Lab Newcastle-under-Lyme

Adam Jogee, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, began by congratulating his neighbour on her birthday and highlighted the importance of Keele University's 75th anniversary. He detailed the university's founding principles in 1949, its current ranking as one of England’s top universities for both teaching and research excellence, and its significant economic impact through employment and local spending. Jogee emphasised Keele's commitment to sustainability and community involvement with initiatives like the 'Keele in Town' programme. He also discussed the importance of accessibility in education, referencing the progress rates for students from different backgrounds and highlighted financial pressures facing young people. The speech concluded by urging the government to support universities as they work towards a sustainable funding model.

Other contributors (4)
  • Leigh Ingham Lab Stafford

    Ingham emphasised the importance of connectivity and accessibility for higher education institutions, highlighting the need for a transport network that benefits both students and local economies.

  • Dave Robertson Lab Lichfield

    Robertson raised points about ensuring access to opportunities from all backgrounds and communities. He also spoke positively of the decision made by his constituents during an election.

  • David Williams Lab Stoke-on-Trent North

    Williams discussed Danny Flynn's work with the YMCA and the importance of ensuring people from diverse backgrounds can access necessary opportunities for their development.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Shannon noted the financial pressures on students, including reliance on food banks due to household income levels that affect eligibility for full support loans.

Government Response

Janet Daby

Minister Janet Daby congratulated Adam Jogee and other members who contributed to the debate. She highlighted the Government's commitment to supporting universities through a sustainable funding model, ensuring they meet the skill needs of the country. The Minister discussed initiatives such as Steps2Medicine and Staffordshire Children’s University that support disadvantaged student groups. She also mentioned Skills England's role in assessing skills needs and its work on higher education providers like Keele and Staffordshire Universities to ensure alignment with the industrial strategy. Daby noted funding for mental health support, including £15 million from the Office for Students this year, and the importance of degree apprenticeships. The minister concluded by praising both universities’ partnerships with local industries and commended further education providers such as Burton and South Derbyshire College.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy