← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
White Working-class Pupils
24 June 2021
Lead MP
Robert Halfon
Southend West
Con
Responding Minister
Not recorded
Tags
Employment
Word Count: 3094
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Robert Halfon raised concerns about white working-class pupils in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.
Key Requests to Government:
The government must address the root causes of this underachievement by investing more resources into targeted support for these pupils, improving school funding, and ensuring better career guidance in schools to help them make informed choices about their futures. I urge the Minister to respond directly to the recommendations made in our report.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
I am concerned about the persistent underachievement of White working-class pupils in England, as highlighted by my committee's report. The report finds that these students are more likely to leave school without basic qualifications and face worse outcomes in further education, employment and training than their peers. This is a serious social issue that undermines social mobility and perpetuates inequality.
Bolton North East
I support the committee's work and emphasise the importance of addressing this issue, highlighting that White working-class pupils are often overlooked compared to other groups. I ask the Minister about plans for specific interventions in schools with high levels of underachievement among these students.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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.