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BACKBENCH BUSINESS
08 November 2016
Lead MP
Lisa Nandy
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHSEducationEmploymentMental Health
Other Contributors: 86
At a Glance
Lisa Nandy raised concerns about backbench business in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The debate centres on recent proposals by the UK government to increase the number of grammar and faith schools. The Labour Party's Lisa Nandy highlights several key points: children in grammar schools are over five times less likely to be on free school meals, indicating a lack of social mobility; there is evidence suggesting that grammar schools disadvantage those who do not attend them; and the Government’s plan does not offer viable alternatives for all students. Additionally, she raises concerns about funding allocation and the potential impact of such policies in an already financially constrained education system.
Helen Whately
Con
Faversham and Mid Kent
The Conservative MP highlights that grammar schools tend to receive lower per-pupil funding, but also notes that they are often rated as outstanding despite this.
Asks for evidence on the benefits of a divided educational system in Kent and elsewhere, emphasising the importance of evidence-based policy.
Keith Vaz
Lab
Leicester East
Supports faith schools as long as they are inclusive, open, and serve to integrate communities rather than exclude members from different backgrounds.
Liz Kendall
Lab
Leicester West
Emphasises the importance of high-quality early-years education, good heads and teachers in schools that need them most, and an inspiring curriculum as key factors for academic success among poor children.
Cheryl Gillan
Con
Chesham and Amersham
Defends the existing grammar school system in Buckinghamshire by stating it provides a good education across the board, questioning the need for change. However, she does not address concerns about choice for children who do not get into grammar schools.
Cheryl Gillan
Con
13:14:00
Responded to Lisa Nandy, defending non-grammar schools in Buckinghamshire as providing excellent education and inviting her to see for herself.
Lucy Powell
Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
Supported Lisa Nandy's position by mentioning the significant gap in educational attainment between disadvantaged pupils and their peers in Buckinghamshire, questioning whether this is a record worth applauding.
Newcastle upon Tyne North
Expressed concern that the Government's approach to grammar schools appears inconsistent, as they wish to increase their number but do not address the potential creation of secondary moderns and the negative impact on non-selective schools.
Kate Green
Lab
13:14:00
Shared her experience from Trafford where selective education exists, noting that while there are high-performing schools, they do not perform well for every child, especially the most disadvantaged. She pointed out that many children who apply for grammar school entrance exams do not succeed.
Nick Gibb
Con
13:14:00
Cited evidence presented to the Education Committee suggesting no negative effect on pupils in non-grammar schools in selective areas, and proposed that new grammar schools should help raise academic standards in non-selective schools as part of their establishment.
Barry Sheerman
Lab
13:14:00
Challenged the Government for misquoting Sutton Trust research and suggested that they should read the full reports to understand what the trust actually says.
Lisa Nandy
Lab
Wigan
Ms Nandy criticises the Government's education policy, particularly their consultation on grammar schools. She questions the Government's commitment to inclusivity and highlights concerns about social segregation and its impact on children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Ms Nandy also raises issues regarding teacher shortages and the opposition of teachers and headteachers to these plans. She emphasises the importance of learning from other countries' education systems, such as Finland and Poland, which have seen success without selective schooling. Additionally, she criticises frequent interference in schools and calls for an end to ideological dogma in education policy.
Eleanor Laing
13:14:00
Ms Laing reminds the House that time is limited and suggests that Ms Nandy draws her speech to a close soon, given she has been speaking for over half an hour. There are no further details on positions or policies mentioned.
Lisa Nandy
Lab
Wigan
Warns the Minister about the consequences of dividing children in education. Emphasises the importance of fair funding and transitional support from primary to secondary schools. Cites historical precedents, such as the Crowther report, warning against divisive policies.
Neil Carmichael
Con
Stroud
Highlights concerns about grammar schools being a distraction from core education requirements like fair funding and ensuring successful transitions from primary to secondary school. Discusses issues related to post-16 sector proficiency in numeracy and literacy, social immobility, productivity, and the importance of evidence-based policy making.
Caroline Spelman
Con
Meriden
Contributes a point about the disparity in educational funding across different local education authorities, suggesting that money does not follow the pupil as it should.
Sarah Wollaston
Independent Democrat
Totnes
Raises concerns over proposals for faith schools and their potential to increase segregation. Questions whether children of atheist parents should be excluded from faith-based schools.
Keith Vaz
Lab
Leicester East
Mentions successful examples of faith schools in Leicester where pupils from different religions attend the same school, highlighting integration and inclusivity.
John Glen
Con
Salisbury
Supports the idea that evidence gathered from grammar schools should be used to improve education across the country. Mentions a visit to grammar schools in his constituency as an example of successful schooling.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
References the evidence presented by Dr Becky Allen, who stated that no single study claims children are better off in secondary modern schools. Suggests that selective systems do not promote social mobility based on Anna Vignoles' research.
Nick Gibb
Con
Nick Gibb asked Neil Carmichael whether he shared his concern about the disparity in EBacc achievement between pupils attending grammar schools and those at non-selective schools.
Alex Chalk
Con
Cheltenham
Alex Chalk agreed with Neil Carmichael that a one-size-fits-all approach is not suitable for all regions, citing the example of Cheltenham where comprehensive schools provide excellent social mobility and value added. He suggested interventions should be made carefully.
Newcastle upon Tyne North
Catherine McKinnell questioned whether using statistics about pupils who succeed in selective education systems can truly measure the best solution for providing quality education to all children across the country.
Kate Green
Lab
Bury South
Kate Green noted that while selected students often do well, this is not surprising given their academic advantages. She expressed concern about rising mental health problems among students in selective schools due to pressure and asked for comments on this issue.
Lucy Powell
Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
Lucy Powell highlighted the case of Bright Futures, an initiative from a grammar school which expanded to other disadvantaged areas but failed to improve those schools due to its expertise being better suited for advantaged children.
Lucy Powell
Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
Powell argued against the reintroduction of grammar schools, stating that it takes backwards the social mobility agenda for everyone. She highlighted the widening gap in educational attainment between disadvantaged and their peers under this Government's tenure. The focus should be on narrowing skills gaps rather than focusing entirely on high-achieving students getting elite education.
Nick Gibb
Con
Arundel and South Downs
Gibb pointed out that seven London boroughs are either fully or partially selective, challenging the argument against grammar schools based on performance in selective areas compared to comprehensive ones.
Lucy Powell
Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
I presented figures from the House of Commons Library showing that in Kent and Medway, poorer children lag behind while richer children move ahead. In fully selective areas like Kent, only 27% of children eligible for free school meals achieve five good GCSEs compared to a national average of 33% and London's 45%. I questioned why the government does not focus on sharing the practices of successful comprehensive areas in London rather than spreading the model from less effective selective areas. Disadvantaged children suffer long-term effects, with only 2.6% of kids on free school meals attending grammar schools. Lord David Willetts has described grammar schools as an 'arms race for rich parents' and their existence disrupts the education system negatively for non-selected students. I advocated for comprehensive schools that provide opportunity and success for all children, not just a few, citing examples like my local Manchester school where 40% of kids are on free school meals and achieved excellent results this year.
He countered by stating that among the children who leave primary school having achieved level 5 in the key stage 2 SATs, 78% of those attending grammar schools go on to get the EBacc compared to only 52% from non-selective schools.
Lucy Powell
Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
Ms Powell criticised the Government's reliance on GCSE modern foreign languages performance as a basis for public policy changes, arguing that it does not provide a fair comparison. She emphasised the differing challenges faced by schools with high and low percentages of pupils receiving free school meals. Ms Powell also questioned why grammar schools do not take more children on free school meals if the Government is so confident in their argument. Additionally, she highlighted the Prime Minister's justification for policy changes as contradictory to the Government's ban on opening new good schools unless sponsored by a free school sponsor.
Ms Powell stressed that there is clear evidence of policies and interventions working to tackle educational attainment gaps: quality early years education, excellent teachers, and targeted resources. She noted improvements in childcare resources but expressed concerns over the deterioration in early years provision's quality under the Government's new policies.
She also pointed out the growing teacher supply crisis and its impact on disadvantaged children. Furthermore, Ms Powell criticised cuts to school budgets and their detrimental effects on pupils receiving the pupil premium support.
Ms Powell concluded by urging the Government to address pressing issues such as early years education, addressing the teacher supply crisis, stopping harmful budget cuts before pursuing divisive changes in school structures.
Caroline Spelman
Con
Meriden
The Church of England has a long history in educating children, being the second largest provider with 4,700 schools, most primaries and over 200 secondary schools. The Church is committed to raising standards, using digital means for remote learning and supporting rural communities. Spelman dispels myths about segregation by faith-based criteria, arguing that it only applies when schools are over-subscribed. She highlights the importance of social cohesion in rural areas where schools may be less diverse due to migration patterns but still vital for community hubs. The Church is dedicated to promoting academic excellence and religious literacy, emphasising its role in educating young people with hope and aspiration.
Kate Green
Lab
Stretford and Urmston
In Trafford, despite the selective system, schools perform well due to excellent teaching and school leadership. However, selection at age 11 is not beneficial for all children; some feel demoralised after failing entrance exams for grammar schools. The headteacher of a non-selective girls’ school highlighted challenges in restoring confidence in such pupils. Green argues against the system that labels only one in four children as successful at 11 years old, and raises concerns about postcode lottery affecting educational opportunities. She cites data showing higher percentages of children from wealthier wards entering grammar schools compared to poorer areas.
John Glen
Con
Salisbury
Asks if the issue is not aspiration leading to more diverse applicants, suggesting progress could be made with increased applications from varied backgrounds.
Lucy Powell
Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
Supports her hon. Friend's argument about Trafford, stating that in more selective areas, the attainment gap widens. Contradicts Conservative arguments suggesting that increasing grammar schools would benefit poorer children.
Kate Green
Lab
Stretford and Urmston
Headteachers in my borough believe that if there were more grammar schools, by definition there would be more secondary modern-equivalent schools, too, and that for every grammar school we create, we will have to create four secondary moderns, unless the ratios of children in grammar and non-grammar schools are to change. The Minister indicated that there would be a range of different schools available to students, such as technical schools or schools with different specialisms, and I welcome that, but we have had the latter for many years, under the academy system introduced by Labour. I already have specialist sports, science and art academies in my constituency. We do not have to overlay that with academic selection to ensure a different emphasis in the education that children receive, and we must not use division to exacerbate the attainment gap. In Trafford, the numbers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in grammar schools are shockingly low. For example, based on May 2016 school census figures, out of 7,539 children in grammar schools, only 224 were receiving SEN support and just 20 had EHCPs or statements in place. The system is not working for these children in various ways: the entrance exam process is very stressful, compounded by individual tests set by each school; it impacts families financially as tutoring starts at a young age; and it discriminates against SEND students who often cannot take exams under normal conditions. Grammar schools also tend to admit only those with milder needs, further exacerbating issues for more severely affected children. Additionally, developments like the EBacc curriculum discriminate against some SEND students. Non-selective schools end up taking disproportionately large numbers of children with special educational needs and struggle to maintain sixth forms due to prioritisation of these pupils over others. Overall, greater expansion of grammar schools would make a bad situation worse for SEND children in Trafford.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
In response to Kate Green's speech, Mike Kane emphasised that the pass/fail line for entrance exams into grammar schools is arbitrary and depends on the number of places available. He agreed with her point about selection happening at age 10 due to entrance exams being taken early in year 6 before many children turn 11. This practice puts undue pressure on young children, which he finds concerning.
John Pugh
Independent Group for Change
Southport
There are excellent grammar schools, but the system undeniably separates children at age 11 according to exam performance. It is a poor proxy for innate ability and potential. Grammar schools contribute to social mobility but separating children into passes and failures is not socially desirable or educationally sensible. After amalgamation of secondary modern and grammar schools, attainment was impossible to distinguish between former streams. Current policy must be based on evidence, which does not support the expansion of grammar schools.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
Opposes the regressive policy of grammar school expansion as it benefits only a select few. It fails to improve lives for everyone, especially disadvantaged children; fewer than 3% of children on free school meals attend grammar schools. The Prime Minister’s actions reveal support for the interests of a few while others are left behind. There is no evidence supporting grammar school expansion.
Lucy Powell
Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
Raises concerns about budgetary pressures on schools in deprived areas due to cuts and loss of pupil premium funding, leading to the greatest financial impact on already disadvantaged communities.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
Faith schools generally draw pupils from a poorer subsection of society, yet over 80% are doing well or outstandingly well. Labour under the previous government invested heavily in education but now faces a funding crisis and issues with special educational needs oversight, teacher morale, recruitment, retention, national funding formula chaos, and testing criteria incompetence.
Nick Gibb
Con
15:15:00
The Government is committed to delivering good school places. Since 2010, over 1.4 million pupils are in good or outstanding schools and half a million new school places have been created. The focus has been on improving standards through reforms such as maths mastery and systematic synthetic phonics, resulting in more fluent readers and mathematicians.
Lucy Powell
Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
Critiques the Minister's focus on SATs results, noting a significant drop from over 80% meeting national expectations to just 53%, questioning whether this is satisfactory and demanding an apology for poorly embedding changes.
Nick Gibb
Con
15:15:00
Defends the new SATs standards as significantly higher, leading to more fluent readers and mathematicians despite initial drops in results. Proposes reforms including tapping into university expertise, removing restrictive regulations on faith schools, ending bans on grammar school openings.
Lucy Powell
Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
Questions the removal of restrictions on good and outstanding local authority schools opening new schools and asks for maintained nursery schools to be allowed to open new schools as well, critiquing the current ban.
Nick Gibb
Con
15:15:00
Supports a diverse education system with more providers, including lifting the ban on new grammar school openings under strict conditions to improve standards across the board.
Kevin Foster
Lib Dem
15:15:00
References Torbay’s successful integration of a multi-academy trust with a grammar school, resulting in an improved academy rated as good by Ofsted and listed among the top five schools in the west country. Argues this demonstrates that good grammar schools can coexist alongside other high-quality educational institutions.
Kate Green
Lab
Wigan
Asked the Minister about evidence supporting the proposals, particularly in Trafford where only a small percentage of grammar school pupils are from disadvantaged backgrounds. She questioned whether existing grammar schools would also be required to lift their proportion of disadvantaged pupils.
Neil Carmichael
Con
Stroud
Highlighted alternative priorities such as the national funding formula and primary-secondary transition, but confirmed that ensuring effective primary schools was a priority. He inquired about links between new grammar schools and feeder primary schools to ensure widening social intake.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
Asked the Minister to assure that no school would be disadvantaged by the fair funding formula implementation, emphasising concerns about equity in resource allocation.
Lucy Powell
Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
Critiqued the use of evidence presented by the Minister as flimsy and argued that there is significant evidence showing selective systems contribute to widening attainment gaps. She also questioned why the Government had not addressed failures in transferring good practice between academies.
Nick Gibb
Con
Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
Acknowledged that evidence shows progress made in grammar schools is significant, with pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and low-income families to be prioritised. Cited statistics showing poor academic results in areas like Blackpool and Isle of Wight compared to Southwark and York, indicating a need for improvement. Emphasised the government's objective to achieve 100% good or outstanding schools.
Lisa Nandy
Lab
Wigan
Asked the Minister to consider evidence before proceeding with reforms that could damage children’s life chances and economic prospects. Criticised the lack of information on funding and budget impacts, as well as ignoring issues related to special educational needs. Highlighted concerns about misleading use of data such as EBacc measures.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Praises the efforts of Westminster Governments, devolved Governments, local government, and charities in supporting veterans and service personnel. Acknowledges that while there have been successes, more can be done to support the new generation of veterans and their families. Emphasises the need to rethink remembrance and highlights initiatives such as poppy appeals, welfare services, and innovative community projects like Pizza Pronto. Discusses the importance of recognising the challenges faced by younger veterans and the need for better coordination among charities.
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Congratulations the hon. Member for Cardiff South and Penarth on securing this debate, highlighting the importance of supporting our armed forces and their families. Emphasises the depth of patriotism within the armed forces and the respect for those who serve. Points out that nearly three quarters of a million members of the community have served in the armed forces since 1991. Supports the Armed Forces Covenant which ensures no disadvantage to serving personnel or veterans due to service. Discusses challenges in supporting serving personnel, their families, and veterans; mentions Forward Assist charity for transition support and Challenger Troop for empowering communities. Highlights the need for state support alongside charities.
Carol Monaghan
SNP
Glasgow North West
Questions whether it is sufficient to rely on charitable organisations alone, suggesting that the state should provide fuller support to veterans and their families.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Agrees with Anne-Marie Trevelyan's points but emphasises the need for better consistency in data collection regarding veterans, supporting initiatives like the Count Them In campaign to include a census question on veteran status.
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Acknowledges Stephen Doughty's concerns about data consistency and highlights her efforts to work with the Cabinet Office to include the census marker. Expresses worries about undermanning, pay restraint, and base closures affecting morale and retention of personnel.
Martin Docherty
SNP
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Congratulates the hon. Member for Cardiff South and Penarth on securing the debate, highlighting the impact of pre-deployment, deployment and reintegration on a new generation of children, young people, and young carers of veterans. Suggests revisiting existing policy documents to include a broader family support approach.
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Agrees on the need for a whole-family approach to military family support and mentions the work of a charity in Northumberland. Criticises how human capital is undervalued within the Ministry of Defence, arguing that personnel should be seen as critical assets rather than overheads. Highlights the importance of valuing the spouses and children of service members who contribute significantly to maintaining world-class armed forces. Emphasises the ongoing protection provided by current military personnel and veterans.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The speaker highlighted the importance of remembering veterans and those affected by war. He discussed his personal experiences as an ex-soldier, emphasising the need for better mental health support for service members transitioning to civilian life. He mentioned initiatives like SSAFA, Help for Heroes, and Beyond the Battlefield, which raise awareness and provide assistance to veterans. Shannon also raised concerns about underreported cases of veteran suicide in Northern Ireland, suggesting a lack of awareness among charities and organisations.
Bob Stewart
Con
Beckenham
Stewart agreed with Jim Shannon's intervention regarding the loss of regimental headquarters, which leads to veterans being forgotten and not receiving adequate support. He highlighted the need for more awareness and better coordination among organisations to address these issues effectively.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Tugendhat suggested that charities like Combat Stress play a crucial role in supporting veterans with mental health issues, providing specialised care that the NHS might not be able to offer due to resource limitations.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Gentleman highlights the need for better coordination with MOD, NHS, charities to support veterans. He mentions a serviceman from Northern Ireland who returned from Afghanistan severely injured and struggling with his personal life. The speaker presents stark statistics: one veteran commits suicide almost every two weeks, nearly 400 between 1995 and 2014; in 2012, the number of suicides by soldiers and veterans outstripped those killed in battle. He criticises the shortcoming in the armed forces covenant implementation at 7%, stressing on the need for more effort to address mental health issues. Emphasises the importance of housing and healthcare for veterans, highlighting Combat Stress's role in aiding Gulf war heroes.
Kevin Foster
Con
Torbay
Praises Jim Shannon's words about the sacrifice made by Ulster men during the Somme. He congratulates Stephen Doughty for securing this debate, noting its timing in the centenary period of significant battles like Jutland and the Somme. Foster emphasises the importance of individual stories behind these historical events, drawing attention to Torbay veterans who wear their badges with pride. Mentions his encounter with Johnny Johnson, a former Dambuster, highlighting the personal impact of military service on families.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Acknowledges Kevin Foster's constituency connection to the Dambusters and mentions Guy Gibson. He expresses regret at the recent loss of Eileen Younghusband, a distinguished WAAF member involved in the Dambusters raid.
Bob Stewart
Con
Beckenham
Pays tribute to Major Ron Goodwin, a legendary figure who served as regimental sergeant major of his battalion.
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Clarifies an event she and Kevin Foster participated in with Royal Marines.
John Bercow
Constitutional
Buckingham
Comments on the additional information provided by Anne-Marie Trevelyan about her experience with the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme.
Steven Paterson
SNP
Aberdeen North
Grateful to have the opportunity to discuss support for veterans in Scotland, highlighting initiatives such as the appointment of a dedicated Veterans Minister and the establishment of a Scottish Veterans Commissioner. Emphasised actions like the £1 million commitment to projects supporting veterans through the Scottish Veterans Fund, the creation of national specialist prosthetics services, mental health support at Hollybush House Combat Stress facility, and housing assistance. Also mentioned initiatives in education, employment, and skills development for veterans.
Bob Stewart
Con
Beckenham
Asked a brief question about the operational structure of veteran support centres in Scotland, inquiring whether they are run by charities or funded directly by the Government.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Veterans are highly regarded but the care they receive is still not satisfactory. Emphasises that the state has a responsibility to provide care for veterans, not just charities. References statistics about health and welfare issues among veterans and the importance of continuous support from government departments.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Acknowledges the efforts of the Scottish Government in supporting veterans but also emphasises the role played by charities and individuals. Mentions specific examples of local work being done for veterans in his constituency.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Stresses that while charity plays a crucial role, the primary responsibility lies with the state. Discusses initiatives by the Scottish Government to support veterans in areas like health services, housing, education, and employment.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Pays tribute to the efforts of the Royal British Legion and other charities while also acknowledging the role of the state. Mentions the recognition of contributions by women in war times.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Emphasised the importance of MPs speaking up for servicemen and women, acknowledged contributions from other MPs, stressed mental health issues among veterans. Advocated for consistent approach in data collection and identification of veterans, questioned effectiveness of current implementation strategies.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Supported the call for a more consistent approach to data collection across the UK. Highlighted issues faced by veterans in Northern Ireland due to lack of information, stressing the need for better identification mechanisms.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Reiterated the importance of consistency in data and service provision, questioned the effectiveness of current strategies. Raised concerns about fragmented healthcare systems affecting veterans' access to necessary services, particularly mental health support.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Griffith highlights the employment gap faced by veterans, noting that only 80% of service leavers are employed six months after leaving the armed forces. She questions the effectiveness of current support and asks for discussions between departments to improve outcomes. Griffith also raises concerns about negative stereotypes and discrimination against veterans in the job market, suggesting practical measures like a veterans interview programme.
Mark Lancaster
Con
Constituency Unspecified
Lancaster responds to Griffith's points on stereotyping, arguing that Griffith risks promoting negative stereotypes about veterans by mentioning mental health issues. He praises the debate and honours contributors but does not address specific policy or statistic details beyond acknowledging the contributions of other MPs.
Mark Lancaster
Con
Northampton North
Acknowledges the bespoke aftercare package for veterans in Northern Ireland, discusses mental health issues and the armed forces compensation scheme. Emphasises the importance of supporting younger veterans and dispelling misconceptions about their age cohort.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
References Royal British Legion figures indicating a higher incidence of depression among veterans compared to the general population, challenges the Minister's earlier comments.
Mark Lancaster
Con
Northampton North
Responds to Nia Griffith by emphasising the need for careful discussion about veterans in the House and mentions ongoing work on tracking veterans through health service records. Discusses housing support, employment opportunities, and plans to improve support for veterans' families.
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Highlights the importance of identifying not only veterans but also their direct families who are supported by the covenant.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
The debate discusses the need to support a new generation of veterans, including addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, access to housing and employment. It highlights the importance of ensuring that veterans receive fair treatment for their service, particularly regarding challenges faced by LGBT veterans.
The Minister acknowledges the issue with older LGBT veterans who were not treated well in the past and commits to continuing efforts to improve support. He discusses the new employment model, which includes flexible engagement systems for service personnel and aims to provide more choice of housing and help meet aspirations for home ownership regardless of age or rank.
The Member raises concerns about the changing requirements in the armed forces, particularly regarding recruitment challenges. He questions if there is a need to change the employment model to attract and retain diverse skill sets, highlighting the importance of lateral entry for individuals with necessary skills outside the military.
Government Response
Defends Government's education reforms, including higher SATs standards and lifting restrictions on faith and grammar schools to promote better integration and diversity in educational institutions. Responded to concerns by outlining that existing grammar schools would be required to engage in outreach activities and ensure fair access, extending these requirements beyond new schools. He also highlighted progress in primary education standards and measures being taken for the national funding formula. Acknowledged the need for further assessment but emphasised the government's determination to ensure all children receive quality education. Cited evidence supporting grammar schools' positive impact and outlined plans to establish new selective and faith-based high-performing schools. Responds to Kevin Foster's suggestion of including a veteran question in the census, noting that while Ministers do not have direct influence over the questions on the census, he hopes the national statistician will take into account the wishes of this House. The Minister acknowledges the contributions made by various Members, including those focusing on veterans' employment and mental health issues. He expresses a desire for consensus but does not provide specific policy or statistical details. Discusses ongoing efforts to support veterans, including mental health services and employment opportunities. Mentions plans for a single point of contact service called 'Veterans Gateway' funded by £2 million from the annual covenant fund. The Minister responds positively to the issue raised by Stephen Doughty regarding older LGBT veterans and acknowledges the ongoing support efforts. He outlines the new employment model designed to provide more flexibility, choice of housing, and support for home ownership. The minister also addresses recruitment challenges and considers lateral entry options.
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