Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Social Mobility

12 February 2020 · 10 other contributors · 9,110 words

Opened by David Evennett Con Bexleyheath and Crayford

Responding minister: Michelle Donelan

EducationEconomyEmployment

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

David Evennett raised concerns about social mobility in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concern about underachievement of white working-class boys in the UK
  • World Economic Forum ranked UK 21st in global social mobility index
  • Government committed over 17 billion through pupil premium since 2011

Key requests to Government

I urge the government to take action to fund further education colleges better, promote awareness of apprenticeships as an option alongside university, and implement open and transparent recruitment practices. The Government must ensure that people are encouraged from a young age to engage with education and training and understand the long-term benefits. I urge the Government to treat social mobility as a mission across all Departments, with a focused and consistent approach that transcends political reshuffles. The Government needs to stop treating social mobility as a niche issue and ensure accountability and transparency in this area.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

David Evennett Con Bexleyheath and Crayford

I am concerned about the underachievement of young people, particularly white working-class boys. The World Economic Forum ranked the UK at 21st in a global social mobility index, highlighting the significant disparities in opportunities based on one's starting point in life. There is still a postcode lottery for social mobility and many children do not reach their full potential due to lack of engagement with education and societal disconnection. I am concerned about the declining social mobility in the UK, with only 31% of people in the north-east feeling they have good opportunities to progress compared to 78% in London. The Sutton Trust report indicates that one in eight men born between 1975 and 1981 became socially mobile, down from one in five for those born between 1955 and 1961. I am also worried about the lack of quality careers advice in schools and the persistent influence of where you were born on your life prospects.

Other contributors (10)
  • Daniel Poulter

    He agreed with previous points made and suggested re-establishing a Cabinet sub-committee on social mobility from each Government Department to address the issue seriously. Highlighted the need for raising aspirations towards the end of primary school and at the beginning of secondary school to increase social mobility and young people's ability to attend good universities.

  • Jack Lopresti Con Filton and Bradley Stoke

    Reinforced the point about the economic cost of a lack of social mobility, citing the Sutton Trust's estimate that modest improvement in social mobility could boost annual GDP by approximately 2% or £39 billion.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Congratulated the right hon. Gentleman on securing the debate and emphasised that being born into a family of sales assistants should not dictate one's career path, advocating for better structure to ensure people determine their own paths based on hard work. He emphasised the importance of early education and career opportunities, highlighting that teachers need to provide a full picture of available options for pupils.

  • John Howell Con Henley

    He referenced a booklet produced about 10 years ago highlighting Conservative Members from humble backgrounds. John Howell highlighted his personal experience of social mobility, having come from a poor family and worked through education at multiple levels. He mentioned that the deprived 20% accounted for around 16.4% of level 4 apprenticeships in recent data, indicating progress is needed. He also stressed the importance of housing and challenged those opposing house building to promote social mobility.

  • John Penrose Con Brighton Kemptown

    Asked about the phenomenon of inverse snobbery, where some people are discouraged from aiming high due to social pressures and lack of encouragement.

  • Justin Madders Lab Ellesmere Port and Neston

    The MP intervened to ask if the Government wanted to set a target for improving their position in World Economic Forum rankings and, if so, over what time period.

  • Laura Trott Con Sevenoaks

    Emphasised the importance of attending top universities for social mobility, citing studies showing higher employment rates and salaries for graduates from elite institutions. Noted that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are seven times less likely to attend these prestigious universities compared to those from advantaged backgrounds. Suggested focusing on careers advice and subject choice guidance in schools to improve opportunities. Advocated for a laser-like focus on the quality of education, particularly reading and writing skills.

  • Marion Fellows SNP West Bromwich West

    Marion Fellows highlighted the stagnation of social mobility in the UK, praising Scotland for its efforts to reduce socio-economic disadvantage. She shared her personal journey from a working-class background to university education and emphasized the importance of investing in further education and reducing barriers for disadvantaged individuals. Fellows also mentioned that only 16% of social security is devolved to Scotland, limiting its ability to address social mobility issues comprehensively.

  • Mike Kane Lab Wythenshawe and Sale East

    The MP welcomed the Minister to her new role and acknowledged the right hon. Member for Bexleyheath and Crayford's long-standing interest in social mobility. He disagreed with his colleague that London is the economic and cultural capital of Great Britain, but praised him for raising this issue. The MP highlighted the importance of apprenticeships for working-class communities and emphasised the need for secure tenancies like those he had as a child growing up on a council estate. He also mentioned the role of music and arts in raising aspiration and cited alarming statistics about free-school-meal children not getting into Russell Group universities. Citing a Social Mobility Commission report, he criticised the Government's approach to social mobility, noting that levels remained stagnant since 2014 despite drastic cuts to social safety nets.

  • Stephanie Peacock Lab Barnsley South

    Discussed the gap between aspiration and opportunity in areas like Barnsley, highlighting that a child from Cudworth is five times less likely to go to university than one from Chelsea. Emphasised the importance of accessible vocational education and volunteer-run programs such as the Barnsley Youth Choir.

Government Response

Michelle Donelan

Commended the importance of social mobility, highlighting education as key. Noted over £17 billion distributed through pupil premium since 2011 and a one-year £18 million extension to the opportunity areas programme, bringing total funds to £90 million. Discussed the role of the Social Mobility Commission and highlighted improvements in careers advice based on Gatsby benchmarks. Emphasised the government's commitment to spreading opportunities throughout a young person's life.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy