Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Monday 6 December 2021 · 22 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 8 Partly answered 13 Not answered 0

Key points

  • James Daly asked about Arthur's tragic death; the government will make a statement later on steps to prevent similar tragedies.
  • James Daly requested a meeting with the Secretary of State and the school's headteacher to discuss plans for a technology centre; the Secretary of State is willing to meet.
  • Bridget Phillipson asked about vaccinating 12 to 15-year-olds during Christmas holidays; the government will continue vaccinating through schools and centres, with second jabs due by mid-December.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Daly
Safeguarding & DBS Children & Families
Context

Arthur Labinjo-Hughes' case has prompted concern for child protection and the lessons to be learned.

Question

If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities, specifically addressing steps being taken in response to Arthur's tragic death.

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

The nation is appalled by Arthur Labinjo-Hughes' case. No child should face such cruelty. A statement will be made later today on steps being taken to learn from this tragedy and prevent similar occurrences.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 James Daly
Education
Context

Derby High School seeks funding to develop a technology centre.

Question

Will the Secretary of State meet me and the school's headteacher, Ms Hubert, to discuss developing plans for a technology centre?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

The Secretary of State is happy to meet the hon. Friend, Ms Hubert, and others to discuss plans for building on the success of Derby High School pupils.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Bridget Phillipson Lab Houghton and Sunderland South
NHS
Context

Vaccination rates for children aged 12 to 15 in the north-west and west midlands are below national average.

Question

The Secretary of State will be aware that just 40% of children aged 12 to 15 have been vaccinated. Will he use Christmas holidays to vaccinate children, support schools for next term planning?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

The Government will continue vaccinating 12 to 15-year-olds through both school settings and centres. Early vaccinated individuals are due their second jab by mid-December according to JCVI recommendations.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Bridget Phillipson Lab Houghton and Sunderland South
Education
Context

Sir Kevan Collins resigned in protest over the Government's failure to support children.

Question

Why will the Secretary of State not bring forward proper proposals, like Labour's clear, costed and achievable plans, which match the scale of the challenge that our children face?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

Instead of increasing inputs, focus on outcomes. 16 to 19-year-olds get an extra hour of education weekly; £800m and £1bn allocated for secondary and primary pupils respectively in Budget.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific proposals not detailed or committed to beyond stating focus on outcomes

How: Focusing On Outcomes

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q5 Mark Fletcher
Education
Context

Lack of post-16 educational opportunities is a concern for the next generation of young people.

Question

Does she agree that it is vital to access full suite of educational choices locally?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

Three general further education providers serve Bolsover. The hon. Friend will work on this issue urging Derbyshire authority to use published process to bring it to ESFA's attention.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q6 Carol Monaghan SNP
Education
Context

Speculation about lowering the student loan repayment threshold concerns graduate debt holders.

Question

Will the Minister detail discussions with Treasury colleagues? Will proposed changes be applied retrospectively?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

We will respond shortly to Augar review focusing on best interests of students, taxpayers, and universities. No comment on speculation.

Not addressed: Details of discussions with Treasury and retrospective application confirmation not provided beyond process statement

How: No Comment On Speculation

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q7 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Education Women & Equalities
Context

Getting more young people into STEM subjects is vital.

Question

What are my right hon. and hon. Friends doing to get more young people, and especially more young women, throughout the UK into STEM subjects?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

Multiple programmes are funded including £84m for computing teaching and participation at GCSE and A-level and £76m for maths mastery. Over 20,000 STEM ambassadors exist with 40% being women.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q8 Alison Thewliss SNP
Immigration
Context

The post-Brexit Nobel laureate scheme was intended to attract top scientists but has failed.

Question

Will the Secretary of State explain reasons for this complete failure? Could it be due to a hostile environment?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

The prize route is one option under global-talent route with thousands of applications since 2020. It has high bar requiring prestigious awards already accepted in their field.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reasons for lack of success not provided beyond stating route requirements, avoiding discussion on hostile environment

How: Stating Route Requirements

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q9 Laura Trott Con Sevenoaks
Education
Context

The question arises from concerns over potential school closures due to the omicron variant. The MP is concerned about the impact of online learning on children's education and wellbeing.

Question

I am concerned that despite necessary steps being taken against the omicron variant, there remains a possibility of primary schools and nurseries closing, which would negatively affect young children's education and wellbeing.

Answer from Robin Walker

In-person education remains our absolute priority. Our guidance is clear that settings should do everything possible to keep children in face-to-face education safely, and I will do everything in my power to keep schools and nurseries open.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q10 Catherine McKinnell Lab Newcastle upon Tyne North
Climate Energy
Context

The question comes from a meeting with students who want to reduce school emissions, highlighting cost as the main barrier for teachers in getting electric cars.

Question

Following discussions with students inspired by COP26, they have found that financial barriers are preventing more teachers from acquiring electric vehicles. They seek information on what measures will be taken to address this issue and promote emission reduction.

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

As a former Minister at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, I can tell the hon. Lady that it is about ensuring that we deliver affordable transport that is green: not only cars but other forms of transport.

Partly answered

Not addressed: salary sacrifice schemes

How: About Ensuring That We Deliver Affordable Transport

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q11 Chris Clarkson
Education
Context

Some schools have not had inspections for over a decade, raising questions about the current state of education quality.

Question

Due to long periods without inspections in some schools, parents need up-to-date assessments of their children's school quality. This includes considering new senior leadership teams and other material changes.

Answer from Robin Walker

My hon. Friend is right that parents should have up-to-date assessments of the quality of education at their child's school, which is why, from the start of this term, Ofsted resumed routine inspections of the full range of schools.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q12 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Education Environment
Context

Covid-related absences are increasing, and there is a need to improve school ventilation.

Question

With rising pupil and staff absences due to covid, the Bradford pilot was initiated earlier this year to address indoor air quality. The MP seeks an update on its progress, including details of air purifiers and implementation plans.

Answer from Robin Walker

The hon. Lady is right about the importance of this issue. CO2 monitors are being rolled out successfully across the school estate, and we will work closely with the NHS on interpreting and implementing action based on its findings.

Partly answered

Not addressed: implementation plans for air purifiers

How: We Will Work Closely

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q13 Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley
Education Mental Health
Context

Local headteachers have highlighted the need for mental health support alongside education.

Question

In addition to providing quality education, local headteachers also provide counselling and pastoral care. The MP seeks information on the Government's plans to further support mental health provision in schools.

Answer from Will Quince

The Government are providing additional support through establishing mental health support teams in 35% of schools and colleges in England by 2023, enabling all schools and colleges to train senior mental health leads by 2025.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q14 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
Children & Families
Context

The biggest issues in special education needs are timely multi-disciplinary team meetings and inadequate support.

Question

Concerns over the adequacy of multi-agency workforce plans to meet children's additional needs were raised. The MP seeks an update on this from the SEN review.

Answer from Will Quince

The hon. Lady is right in this regard. The SEN review will look at this issue, and it will report in the first quarter of next year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: timeline for multi-agency plan implementation

How: It Will Report

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q15 Simon Baynes
Education Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Interest in parliamentary workings among students has grown, but access is limited due to covid restrictions.

Question

Due to ongoing covid restrictions, the MP seeks ways for Parliament to engage with schools and colleges across Wales and the UK through new virtual methods.

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

Parliament's excellent free education service offers a range of resources, including the resumption of school visits to Parliament and online workshops.

Partly answered

Not addressed: virtual engagement methods

How: Offers A Range Of Resources

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q16 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Education
Context

Severe conditions at Russell Scott Primary School have been highlighted, including health hazards due to a botched refurbishment.

Question

Three months ago, I raised the appalling conditions at Russell Scott Primary School in Denton, where pupils face sewage and toxic fumes. What progress has been made by DfE officials with Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council?

Answer from Robin Walker

We continue to work with Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council. In that debate, he put in a bid for the next round of the priority school building programme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: timeline and current status of rebuilding efforts

How: Continue To Work

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q17 Miriam Cates
NHS
Context

Local directors of public health are advising schools to go beyond national guidance, causing issues such as event cancellations and forced mask-wearing in classrooms.

Question

Across the country, many local directors of public health are going far beyond the Department's covid guidance in their recommendations to schools. Headteachers are being put in an impossible position due to these excessive measures. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this is unethical and inhumane? What can he do to ensure that schools do not go beyond the Government's guidance?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi (Secretary of State for Education)

The most important thing is that we prioritise face-to-face education. Keeping children in school is my absolute priority, and I will do everything in my power to maintain that situation. Of course, directors of public health can advise temporary additional measures, but they should always be proportionate.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not fully addressed as no concrete actions were provided to prevent schools from exceeding guidance.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q18 Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central
Education
Context

The school capital programme has been cut since 2010, affecting schools like Lydiate Primary School. The programme was reduced from £9.1 billion to £4.3 billion.

Question

Since 2010, the school capital programme has been cut from £9.1 billion to £4.3 billion. Will the Government put money back into the programme and rebuild schools such as Lydiate Primary School?

Answer from Robin Walker (Minister for School Standards)

The Prime Minister announced a new school rebuilding programme in June 2020. We have confirmed the first 100 schools as part of a commitment to 500 projects over the next decade, including Deyes High School in Sefton. We are investing £5.6 billion of capital funding to support the education sector in 7942-23.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not fully addressed as no commitment was made specifically for Lydiate Primary School.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q19 Matthew Hancock Con
NHS Education
Context

A ten-minute rule Bill proposes universal screening for dyslexia in primary schools, seeking stronger support and assessment.

Question

Will the Secretary of State welcome tomorrow's ten-minute rule Bill that proposes universal screening for dyslexia in primary schools? Will he put his full weight behind it?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi (Secretary of State for Education)

My right hon. Friend is a passionate champion and advocate for the technology behind screening for dyslexia. I will certainly take a close look at his Bill tomorrow.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not fully addressed as no commitment to support the bill was given.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q20 Barry Sheerman Lab
Education Children & Families
Context

Early years investment has been strongly advocated for its benefits, with a need for accessible and cheap pre-school care.

Question

Is the Secretary of State aware that investing in early years is proven to be the best investment? When will we take this seriously and have good, accessible, and cheap pre-school care?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi (Secretary of State for Education)

I know that I can call the hon. Gentleman my friend because he is a passionate champion of education and of early years, and has been for a long time. We are delivering family hubs which are evidence based when it comes to what can be done in the early years for families.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not fully addressed as no timeline or concrete plan was provided.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q21 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Education Energy
Context

Storm Arwen has damaged electricity supplies in the constituency, affecting homes and schools such as those in Weardale and Lanchester.

Question

Will the Minister ask the Department to feed into the Ofgem review to ensure that if there are power issues in future, schools like the small schools in Weardale or St Bede's in Lanchester are not cut off from education?

Answer from Robin Walker (Minister for School Standards)

I would certainly be happy to meet my hon. Friend further to discuss this while we also discuss the situation at Witton-le-Wear.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not fully addressed as no commitment to request input from the department was given.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q22 Alan Brown SNP
Benefits & Welfare Children & Families
Context

The Scottish Government have implemented a child payment of £10 per week, which is being doubled to £20 in April. The questioner asks if the UK government should do more to support vulnerable families.

Question

Is it not time the UK Government did more to support vulnerable families and looked at reinstating the £20 a week universal credit uplift?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi (Secretary of State for Education)

I am very proud of the work we do on breakfast clubs and on the holiday activities and food programme, which I helped to set up when I was a Minister in the Department. There is now £200 million-plus a year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not fully addressed as no commitment to reinstate the universal credit uplift was given.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email