Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Wednesday 18 June 2025 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ian Sollom raised concerns about a blind constituent not receiving usable Braille past papers for A-levels and error-ridden GCSE papers.
  • Irene Campbell expressed shock over Ofsted findings that 80% of teenage girls face pressure to share sexual images, asking for consideration of social media in the strategy against such violence.
  • Mims Davies highlighted a report showing a concerning overlap between child sexual exploitation and criminal exploitation cases, noting the involvement of suspects claiming asylum.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ian Sollom Lib Dem St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire
Education Women & Equalities
Context

The MP referenced a constituent, Theo, who is blind and studying A-levels but has not received Braille past papers or error-free GCSE papers. This highlights an issue with exam boards failing to provide accessible materials as required by law.

Question

My constituent Theo, who is blind and a Braillist, has not received a single useable Braille past paper, despite being nearly a year into his A-levels, and reports that his GCSE papers last year contained so many errors that they were nearly impossible to use. Will the Minister take immediate action to ensure that exam boards fulfil their legal duty under the Equality Act 2010 to provide accessible examination materials, and urgently review Ofqual’s monitoring?

Answer from The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)

I am concerned to hear of the experience of the hon. Gentleman’s constituent. If he provides me with some information, I can make sure that this is properly investigated.

Partly answered

How: If He Provides Me With Some Information

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Q2 Irene Campbell Lab North Ayrshire and Arran
Women & Equalities
Context

The MP cited a recent Ofsted report indicating that 80% of teenage girls face pressure to provide sexual images, highlighting the need for addressing such issues in the context of social media.

Question

I was shocked to read recently that Ofsted found that 80% of teenage girls are being put under pressure to provide sexual images of themselves; they can be asked for these pictures multiple times a night. What consideration will there be of social media in the wider strategy to tackle violence against women and girls?

Answer from The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her question. I share her concern about the issue and its impact on young women and girls. That is why the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology is bringing forward further action to ensure that girls are protected from harm, and why later this year, we will publish updated guidance on relationships, sex and health education to tackle all forms of misogyny and ensure that young men and women can thrive in our country.

Answered
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Q3 Mims Davies Con East Grinstead and Uckfield
Asylum & Refugees Safeguarding & DBS
Context

The MP referenced Baroness Casey’s report, which shows a significant number of cases involving child sexual exploitation overlapping with criminal activities in asylum accommodations. The concern is over the responsibility for safeguarding these communities and whether dangers will be transferred to wider communities if asylum hotels are closed.

Question

I point to page 86 of Baroness Casey’s report, which shows a worrying number of live investigations of cases in which there is an overlap between child sexual exploitation and criminal exploitation. The report notes that a “significant proportion” of cases appear to involve suspects who are claiming asylum. Which Minister is directly responsible for safeguarding our communities, including those housed in asylum hotels? If the Government manage to close asylum hotels, as they claim they will, and individuals move into other accommodation, will any dangers transferred from hotels to the wider community be accounted for?

Answer from The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)

The hon. Lady will know that the Home Secretary recently made an extensive statement to Parliament, setting out the actions that this Government will take to address the many failures left behind by the Conservatives. Baroness Casey outlined that there had been a decade of lost time and a failure to deliver justice for victims. This Government will take action. We will root out all forms of child sexual exploitation, keep children safe from harm, and ensure that perpetrators are finally prosecuted.

Partly answered

How: The Home Secretary Recently Made An Extensive Statement

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