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International Day of Education
22 January 2026
Lead MP
Bambos Charalambous
Southgate and Wood Green
Lab
Responding Minister
Stephen Doughty
Tags
EconomyForeign Affairs
Word Count: 11171
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Bambos Charalambous raised concerns about international day of education in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I urge the Minister to consider funding basic education as a high priority for the UK Government when global education funding is being considered, highlighting its impact on global GDP and stability.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
There are still many millions of children globally who are not in education, with progress slowing against the backdrop of aid cuts and an increasingly dangerous world. Basic education could be one of the hardest-hit areas by these cuts as historically the UK and US have been the biggest donors.
Andrew Rosindell
Reform
Romford
Emphasised the importance of British educational influence globally through schools, universities, and cultural exchange. Advocated for continuing historical traditions and proud achievements in building global networks. Welcomed Lincoln Jopp to the debate, expressing support for the topic of global educational inequality.
Southgate and Wood Green
Congratulated Lincoln Jopp on his new post and expressed interest in global education. Mentioned the importance of education for women and girls internationally. Thanked all Members for their contributions and highlighted the importance of education, particularly focusing on girls' education and teacher shortages internationally.
South Devon
Education is crucial for fostering creative spirit, critical thinking, and life skills in children. It plays a significant role in enabling peace and development as recognised by the United Nations sustainable development goal 4. Discussed issues around education in the UK and the importance of international efforts on education.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Highlighted the role churches play in constructing schools and hospitals internationally, exemplifying good work done by communities from his constituency to build institutions abroad.
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Spelthorne
Highlighted the challenges faced by children in Afghanistan, mentioning his service there during a visit.
Esher and Walton
Pays tribute to hard-working teachers and schools in the UK and highlights the severe global education crisis affecting over 272 million children and young people.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Highlights the importance of pupil referral units like the Gillford Centre in her constituency, which contributes to closing the opportunity gap both domestically and internationally.
Sam Rushworth
Lab
Bishop Auckland
He shared his experience as a teacher in Rwanda and highlighted the story of a genocide orphan who managed to attend school after living at the rubbish dump, emphasizing the importance of education for children's futures.
Sarah Olney
LD
Barnet and Camden
At this very difficult time, I am deeply troubled by the lack of visibility on the world stage of women who are helping to build peace and reconciliation in various conflict zones.
Stephen Doughty
Lab
Cardiff South and Penarth
Welcomed the debate ahead of International Day of Education, highlighting successes in delivering quality education globally.
Government Response
Stephen Doughty
The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Government Response
Discussed the UK's role in providing education globally, highlighting investment in new schools and further education colleges. Emphasised the importance of partnerships with international organisations and charities. Addressed the crisis in global education, citing UNESCO estimates on economic growth through education investments. Announced focus areas including improving learning outcomes for disadvantaged children, strengthening partner Governments' education systems, increasing financing sources, safeguarding education during crises, and reforming multilateral education organisations. Discussed the new international education strategy, aiming to increase UK economic contribution from £32 billion to £40 billion by 2030. Mentioned £10 million commitment for strategic partnerships in emergencies and £5.6 million support for Gaza and West Bank through Global Partnership for Education. Highlighted support for Afghanistan despite the tragic situation there.
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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.