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BACKBENCH BUSINESS
30 June 2022
Lead MP
Miriam Cates
Responding Minister
Robin Walker
Tags
NHSTaxationMental Health
Word Count: 14422
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Miriam Cates raised concerns about backbench business in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Ms Cates asks the Minister for Education to urgently review the RSE curriculum framework, rewrite guidance with oversight by child development experts, mandate teaching by subject specialists, and ensure that parents have access to materials being used in their children's education. She also urges transparency regarding the funding sources of external providers and requests a statutory obligation requiring schools to use accredited resources.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Ms Miriam Cates is worried about the quality of relationships and sex education (RSE) materials being used in schools. She cites issues with overly graphic or inappropriate content, incorrect information on biology and consent, and ideological teaching that undermines the legal understanding of gender and age-appropriate sexual behavior. Specific concerns include misleading definitions of sex, promoting dangerous practices like rough play as safe, and encouraging children to explore their sexuality prematurely which can lead to harmful outcomes such as higher referrals to gender services or mental health issues among vulnerable students.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Mr Duncan Smith expressed concern about potential physical and mental health consequences for children who undergo medical processes as a result of transitioning, questioning whether the Department for Education lacks oversight in this area. Mr Duncan Smith reiterated his earlier point, questioning why there is no inspection or control mechanism in place for sex education that departs from established facts, unlike other subjects like geography and biology. Mr Duncan Smith intervened to point out that knowledge without context or consequence is dangerous for children who are unsure about their identity and the implications of their decisions. He suggested that this principle would make much of what has been proposed inappropriate for inclusion in the curriculum.
Basildon and Billericay
Ms Doyle-Price questioned the appropriateness of teachers discussing detailed sexual acts in sex education, suggesting that such discussions should not cross into inappropriate boundaries. My hon. Friend agrees that there is a significant problem with sex education materials being used in schools, which can mislead children on important issues such as consent and gender identity. Stressed the importance of relationships and sex education in schools due to an increasingly sexualised environment, highlighting issues like social media exposure and peer pressure. Raised concerns about harmful content being taught in schools and advocated for a healthier approach that focuses on consent and respect.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Mr. Jim Shannon supported the debate, emphasizing that relationships and sex education are essential but should not undermine a family's right to pass on their morals and values. He expressed concern over primary school children being taught about gender identity and trans issues, suggesting that they are too young for such topics. Mr. Shannon cited an incident in Northern Ireland where an inappropriate book was used in class, causing distress among parents and students.
Barnsley East
Agreed that education materials in schools should be made public and needed better guidance from the Government on RSE/RSHE. Emphasised the importance of subject specialists in teaching RSHE, highlighting a personal tragedy to argue against restrictive approaches to sex education.
Neale Hanvey
Con
Dartford
Stressed the importance of safeguarding and awareness in identifying predatory behaviour, highlighting concerns about changes to identity verification processes that could allow predators to circumvent background checks. Emphasised the need for clear red flags in child protection practices.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Stressed the importance of inclusive LGBT education in Wales, emphasizing age-appropriate materials and teacher training. Highlighted the need for schools to address online bullying and inappropriate content, while maintaining progressive educational standards.
Welwyn Hatfield
Mr Fletcher called for immediate action to withdraw harmful educational material while deeper studies are conducted, stressing the urgency given ongoing exposure of children to inappropriate content.
Peter Dowd
Lab
Bootle
We only have just over a minute left, so I call Miriam Cates to wind up very briefly.
Robin Millar
Con
Croydon South
Mr Millar expressed concerns about the inappropriate materials being used in sex education, stating that children and learners are being exposed to content that confounds their understanding of health, contraception, boundaries, and the law. He highlighted the importance of transparency for parents, governors, and stakeholders regarding these materials and called for an urgent review of guidelines.
Rosie Duffield
Ind
Canterbury
Noted an alarming poster from Educate & Celebrate distributed in primary schools, stating 'Age is only a number. Everyone can do what they feel they are able to do, no matter what age they are.' Intervened to question whether it is disturbing that headteachers are not permitted or enabled to share RHSE material due to it being considered 'commercially sensitive'.
Stephen Morgan
Lab
Portsmouth South
He expressed concerns about the quality and accessibility of RHSE, highlighting issues such as insufficient information on gender identity and inadequate training for teachers. He cited a survey indicating that almost 40% of students had not received any relevant information regarding trans and non-binary individuals. Morgan also raised questions about the implementation of Ofsted's recommendations and the need for better materials and support for educators.
Tim Loughton
Con
East Worthing and Shoreham
Mr Loughton highlighted the chilling effect on parental responsibility due to concerns being interpreted as harm by social services, and raised questions about the mental health impact of pressuring children to question their gender identity. My hon. Friend supports the view that parents are being unfairly treated when they express concerns about their children's education in sex and relationships, with some cases leading to social services intervention.
Government Response
Robin Walker
Government Response
Congratulated MPs on securing the debate; thanked those who spoke; acknowledged specific examples given by Conservative and Opposition Members; emphasized that high-quality relationship and sex education is important for keeping children healthy, happy and safe; committed to strengthening RSHE guidance in the schools White Paper; highlighted Ofsted review findings on online sexual abuse; outlined measures to support teachers with sensitive topics such as pornography and consent through teacher training modules and non-statutory guidance; addressed concerns about sharing materials with parents without infringing intellectual property legislation; pledged full public consultation on draft guidance for transgender issues later this year.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.