Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Wednesday 13 January 2021 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Tom Hunt raised concerns about academic underperformance among white pupils eligible for free school meals compared to other low-income groups.
  • The Minister acknowledged the impact of austerity measures, noting increased poverty rates and economic challenges faced by disabled people and women since 2010.
  • Marsha de Cordova inquired about the Government's plans to ratify the ILO's convention on violence and harassment in the workplace, expressing support for the Safe Spaces Now campaign.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tom Hunt
Education Women & Equalities
Context

The question follows an announcement about broadening the Equality Hub's focus beyond protected characteristics to equality for all. The MP seeks clarity on how this approach might address underperformance among white pupils eligible for free school meals compared to other low-income groups.

Question

I welcome the fact that the equality agenda will look beyond simply protected characteristics. One key problem has been white pupils eligible for free school meals who have underperformed academically compared with other low income groups. Does the Minister feel that focusing on protected characteristics may be an explainer in why this is the case?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

My hon. Friend makes a good point. The attainment score at GCSE for white British children who receive free school meals is lower than the equivalent for black and Asian children. At the Equality Hub, we are conducting a life path analysis to understand where the real issues are, and we are working closely with the Department for Education to take action on this issue.

Partly answered

How: Under Review

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Q2 Tom Hunt
Education Economy Women & Equalities
Context

The MP references the impact of austerity measures over a decade that led to 14 million people in poverty, including a significant decline in earnings for disabled workers. She notes the removal of socioeconomic duty from the Equality Act in 2010.

Question

The impacts of 10 years of austerity are stark: 14 million people are now in poverty, figures show that 45% of disabled people who worked at the start of last year reported no earnings by summer. Figures show there are more women likely to live in poverty. In 2010, the Tory-led Government scrapped the Equality Act's socioeconomic duty. Given her passion for addressing class and poverty, will she enact the socioeconomic duty?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

We have made significant progress since 2010 in addressing disparities—for example, closing the attainment gap in education—but we recognise that, during the covid crisis, more needs to be done to address inequality and help to level up our country. The way we are going to do that is to focus on equality for everyone across our country, making sure that everyone has a fair chance—including addressing geographical inequality.

Partly answered

How: Under Review

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Q3 Marsha de Cordova Lab Battersea
Women & Equalities
Context

The question stems from evidence showing that women face significantly greater risk of violence compared to men. The MP seeks the Government's commitment to ratifying an international labour organisation convention.

Question

Evidence shows women face a significantly greater risk of violence than men in many aspects of their lives. To show continued commitment, when will the Government ratify the ILO's new global convention outlawing violence and harassment at work? Will my right hon Friend join me in supporting UN Women's 'Safe Spaces Now' campaign for better safety online and in public spaces?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

We are finalising consultations across Government on the ratification of the ILO violence and harassment convention. Once complete, we will inform Parliament of our intentions regarding ratification. The Government share the 'Safe Spaces Now' campaign's goals to see street harassment stamped out and are committed to tackling all forms of abuse against women and girls.

Partly answered
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Q4 Maria Miller Con
Women & Equalities
Context

The MP refers to a Minister's statement of focusing on facts, data, and research regarding structural racism. She highlights key statistics showing disparities faced by black individuals.

Question

In a speech last month, the Minister for Women and Equalities stated she wanted to focus on 'facts', not 'fashion'—she has referenced that today—and concentrate on 'data and research'. The overwhelming evidence of structural racism is clear: black Caribbean children are more likely to be excluded from school; black women five times more likely to die in childbirth. This is a fact, not fashion. Does this evidence point towards the need for action, rather than continual denial and dismissal?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

My hon. Friend the Minister for Equalities has already presented clear evidence on the covid crisis. My point is that, rather than looking at equality through the prism of groups, we should be focusing on making sure every individual in this country—regardless of their race, background, sexuality or sex—has the opportunity to succeed.

Partly answered

How: Under Review

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Q5 Marsha de Cordova Lab Battersea
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP received a contact from a WASPI woman who was awarded carer's allowance when she stopped work in 2019 due to care needs but became ineligible for the benefit upon receiving her state pension.

Question

I have been contacted by a WASPI—Women Against State Pension Inequality Campaign—woman who is a carer for her severely disabled ex-partner. She stopped work in 2019 due to his escalating care needs and was awarded carer's allowance. When she received her state pension after decades of paying into the system, she was shocked to find that she was no longer eligible for support. How can it be right when they hit pension age, carers are not eligible for support?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

I will take up the hon. Lady's point with the Department for Work and Pensions.

How: Will Look Into

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