Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Monday 14 March 2022 · 23 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 5 Partly answered 18 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK has committed to welcoming over 100,000 Hongkongers, 20,000 Afghans and an unlimited number of Ukrainians through various schemes.
  • Work is under way across Government with charities and local authorities to ensure that people coming from Ukraine are properly supported.
  • The Government remain committed to the free school programme and appreciate its importance, working with the trust and local authority to secure the site and deliver new school places for Cornwall.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gill Furniss Lab Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Immigration Ukraine
Context

The question concerns the Secretary of State's responsibility for supporting refugees.

Question

If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. The UK has committed to welcoming over 100,000 Hongkongers, 20,000 Afghans and an unlimited number of Ukrainians through various schemes.

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

The UK has committed to welcoming over 100,000 Hongkongers, 20,000 Afghans and an unlimited number of Ukrainians through various schemes. Work is under way across Government with charities and local authorities to ensure that people coming from Ukraine are properly supported.

Answered
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Q2 Gill Furniss Lab Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Education
Context

BTECs are a vital lifeline for many students who cannot achieve A-level or T-level standards.

Question

Why is the Government cutting back on student choice with BTECs while advocating levelling-up agenda and aspiration for everyone? The questioner references the importance of BTECs compared to A-levels and T-levels.

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

This Government are committed to a ladder of opportunity for everyone with better choices and routes. High quality BTECs will continue but where there is overlap, we look at that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not address the specific ask about reducing student choice.

How: We Are Committed To Better Choices, High Quality Btecs Will Continue

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Q3 Cherilyn Mackrory
Education
Context

The constituency successfully secured a new secondary school as part of the free school programme.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend reaffirm the Government's commitment to supporting and delivering this new secondary school in my constituency, as soon as possible?

Answer from Robin Walker

The Government remain committed to the free school programme and appreciate its importance. We are continuing to work with the trust and local authority, to secure the site and deliver new school places for Cornwall.

Answered
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Q4 Bridget Phillipson Lab Houghton and Sunderland South
Education
Context

Randstad has been delivering the national tutoring programme.

Question

Does the Secretary of State believe that Randstad's delivery of the national tutoring programme has been a success?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

The programme had two pillars—academic mentors and tuition partners—and we have hit 1 million blocks of tutoring. Schools tell us that those pillars are important, but also that they wanted a school-led route. More than half a million tutoring blocks have been delivered that way.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The success of Randstad's delivery was not directly addressed.

How: We Must Look At The Programme, Making Opportunities Available For Every Child

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Q5 Bridget Phillipson Lab Houghton and Sunderland South
Education
Context

The MP criticizes the government's complacency regarding the national tutoring program.

Question

Given the immense disruption to children's education, when will the Secretary of State finally get a grip?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

We have hit 1 million blocks of tutoring and aim for 2 million this year, hitting 6 million in total. Every child should get an opportunity to recover learning lost.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question about getting a grip was not directly addressed.

How: Delivered Tutoring Blocks, Celebrating The Programme'S Success

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Q6 Jason McCartney Con
Education
Context

Kirklees is an education investment area with outstanding sixth-form providers.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that existing colleges are best placed to support disadvantaged students in my area into universities?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

Universities should work in partnership with colleges and local schools, raising standards so that students from disadvantaged backgrounds have more options and can choose the path that is right for them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about existing colleges was not directly addressed.

How: Spreading Opportunity Equally, Working In Partnership

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Q7 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Context

The MP questions the reliance on funding from certain countries.

Question

What plans does the Minister have to help enable universities to diversify their international student cohorts?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

We recently updated our international education strategy and are proud of home to so many international students who enrich our culture. We have beaten our target many years ahead, which is testament to how dedicated we are to continue to grow our international pool of students.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about diversification was not directly addressed.

How: Proud Home To International Students, Beating Targets

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Q8 Lee Anderson Reform Ashfield
Education
Context

The MP discusses problems with Kirkby College and its rebuild.

Question

Will the Minister please use all his levers to ensure that the school rebuild happens as quickly as possible?

Answer from Robin Walker

Kirkby College was confirmed in the school rebuilding programme in July 2021, and we aim for construction to start in 2023. We are working closely with the incoming trust to scope the project before securing a construction partner.

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Q9 Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central
Education
Context

Lydiate Primary School faces significant safety concerns, including flooding and dampness affecting health. The Department for Education plans to use outdated survey data for funding decisions despite recent deterioration.

Question

Parts of the building at Lydiate Primary School are unsafe, the basement floods and the damp conditions are a health hazard. Will the Minister promise that children at Lydiate will have their latest survey data considered in deciding whether to fund the new building?

Answer from Robin Walker

The hon. Gentleman's point is noted; we have consulted on assessing such schemes and can take changes in condition into account. He should write with further detail.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifically avoided committing to use the latest survey data for funding decisions

How: Asked To Write More Details

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Q10 David Evennett Con
Education
Context

Essay mills are threatening the integrity of academic work by enabling cheating, particularly through their online platforms.

Question

Does my hon. Friend agree that essay mills have potential to cause severe damage? What steps is the Government taking to tackle them?

Answer from Alex Burghart

The right hon. Friend is correct; essay mills undermine academic integrity, which is why our forthcoming bill will outlaw them and punish those involved.

Answered
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Q11 Kim Leadbeater Lab Spen Valley
Culture, Media & Sport Women & Equalities
Context

Girls participated in the FA's “let girls play” biggest ever football session. Concerns over PE being squeezed out of curriculum due to academic testing.

Question

Will the Minister congratulate all participants in the FA's football session? What steps are his Department taking to ensure equal access for girls and protect PE from being squeezed out?

Answer from Will Quince

I will join in congratulating all participants. We are investing money through the pupil premium and £30 million for after-hours school places, addressing concerns over drop-off from primary to secondary.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions beyond general statements about investment and opening up school places

How: General Statements

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Q12 David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington
Education Science & Technology
Context

Some countries are using IT and AI to support classroom teaching with significant progress.

Question

Is the Department investigating how we could use information technology and artificial intelligence for better classroom instruction?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

We are looking into this matter; more details will be provided in the upcoming White Paper.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific timeline or mechanism for investigation and implementation

How: Will Say More Later

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Q13 Patrick Grady SNP
Education Employment
Context

Staff at Glasgow University and others across UK are striking due to a 35% cut in guaranteed pensions, affecting students and academic integrity.

Question

What discussions are Ministers having with university employers to encourage them to engage in meaningful dialogue with staff?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

We continue to encourage a meaningful dialogue between all parties, focusing on students who have already faced challenges during the pandemic.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on discussions or actions taken by the Government

How: Encouraging Dialogue

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Q14 Stephen Metcalfe Con
Education
Context

Equipping young people with engineering skills is vital for various emerging technologies, including green jobs.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend consider introducing a new design, technology and engineering course as one of the science options?

Answer from Robin Walker

I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this further; I recognise the importance of engineering and numeracy skills.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a commitment on introducing DT&E courses, only offered meeting

How: Meet To Discuss

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Q15 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Education Economy
Context

Russell Scott Primary School faces severe conditions with sewage, fumes, and ill health. A bid for funding is being made to the Department for Education.

Question

Will Ministers look on the funding bid favourably as it aligns with levelling up and provides safe educational opportunities?

Answer from Robin Walker

I welcome the bid coming in; while assessment is required, the case for investment has been made strongly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a direct commitment to approve or consider the funding favourably

How: Welcomes The Bid

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Q16 Siobhan Baillie
Children & Families
Context

High numbers of home-schooled children in Stroud with good welfare and educational standards. Concerns over the new compulsory registration scheme.

Question

Will the Minister meet me and my community to learn more about plans for a 'children not in school' register?

Answer from Will Quince

We support parents educating children at home; the register will ensure proper care and education. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend and her constituents.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on plans for registration, only offered meeting

How: Offer To Meet

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Q17 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Education
Context

Wilson cited Department for Education figures showing that 27% of children were not at the expected reading age when leaving primary school pre-pandemic, and suggested it is worse now.

Question

Figures show a staggering 27% of children are not at the expected reading age upon leaving primary school. With post-pandemic data likely worse, what work is being done to review standards and will the Minister commit to full £15 billion catch-up funding?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

65% of pupils leave primary school with appropriate levels, leaving a third who do not. Government aims for 90% achievement level in reading, writing and maths through recovery funding of £4.9 billion including the National Tutoring Programme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to full £15 billion catch-up funding

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Q18 Peter Gibson
Education Energy
Context

A school in Darlington is concerned about its energy contract with Gazprom and wants to end the connection.

Question

A Darlington school has an energy contract with Gazprom. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss ending such contracts, which may affect many other schools?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

Gazprom is no longer on the roster of suppliers to the Government and Department. Willing to meet Gibson about this specific case.

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Q19 Diane Abbott Lab Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Children & Families
Context

Ethnic minority children show varying academic success, with black boys underachieving significantly.

Question

The Secretary of State spoke about a ladder of opportunity for children. Can we have one specifically for black children who often underachieve academically and are excluded at higher rates?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

The White Paper aims to level up across the board. Hammersmith Academy, with 60% pupil premium and ethnic mix, shows support and stretching for all children.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures for black boys

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Q20 Robert Halfon Con
Education Mental Health
Context

The covid inquiry's terms of reference lack substantial mention of educational impacts.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend write to the chair of the covid inquiry to ensure proper reflection on education, mental health issues, and lost attainment during lockdown?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

Terms of reference cover preparedness, public health response, economic response, and restrictions on attendance. Mental health challenges are not lost.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to write letter

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Q21 Chris Matheson Lab
Education
Context

Some constituents experienced a disparity between predicted and teacher-assessed grades, leading to uncertainty.

Question

Constituents faced discrepancies between predicted and actual TAGs. Schools refer them to Ofqual, while Ofqual points back to schools. Can we have a clear appeal mechanism?

Answer from Robin Walker

TAG challenges led to moving towards proper independently assessed systems post-pandemic.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to clear appeal mechanism

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Q22 Jonathan Gullis
Education
Context

Area is seeking a new 16-to-19 specialist school as part of Stoke-on-Trent's education investment.

Question

When will wave 15 of the free school programme be announced so I can bid for the long overdue free school in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke?

Answer from Robin Walker

Passionately champions his area. Education investment areas provide opportunity for extra free school provision.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Announcement date

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Q23 Barry Sheerman Lab
Children & Families
Context

The autism commission reported on the lifelong impact of undiagnosed or delayed assessments for individuals with autism.

Question

Has the Secretary of State seen the latest report from the autism commission, focusing on the impact throughout life? Does he realise families are distressed by long assessment delays?

Answer from Will Quince

Acknowledges challenges cited. Special educational needs review will be published soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Addressing specific distress points

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