Secure 16 to 19 Academies Bill

Debate between Baroness Levitt and Lord Bach

3rd reading
Friday 30th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice (Baroness Levitt) (Lab)]

My Lords, I am very pleased to speak at the Third Reading of this Private Member’s Bill. I, too, start with thanks—to my noble friend Lord Bach for steering this small but important Bill through the House and to Emma Foody MP for guiding it through the other place. The secure school model has been developed in accordance with the best available evidence for what works in addressing the underlying causes of youth offending, offering children small and homely environments with healthcare and education at their heart. Importantly, secure schools will allow children in custody to gain skills and qualifications, supporting them to return to the community and lead successful and crime-free lives. In turn, this will protect the public from these children reoffending in the future. The Bill will help us achieve this aim, and I am pleased to see the support that it has had from across your Lordships’ House.

[Lord Bach (Lab)]

My Lords, I thank the noble Earl for what he said and, of course, my noble friend the Minister. I do not need to say anything more.