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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.

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materials with parents without infringing intellectual property legislation; pledged full public consultation on draft guidance for transgender issues later this year.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.