Arts Education

Lord Bishop of Winchester Excerpts

Tuesday 7th July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

Like many noble Lords, I went through the British Museum’s queuing system to get my tickets for the tapestry; clearly, it is exceptional, including the indemnity scheme around it. The Government will be responding in detail to all the commitments within the Hodge review. I look forward to the noble Earl, now that he is back in his place, securing a debate on the Arts Council review led by my noble friend.

[The Lord Bishop of Winchester]

My Lords, I hope noble Lords will indulge me if I associate all the Lords spiritual with the remarks that have been made about Lord Mackay of Clashfern. He was indeed a man of great Christian faith, generous heart and broad sympathies, and we all pay tribute to him. I may be the only Member of the House who played him once at water polo, and it was a delightful experience.

I thank the Minister for her Answer. Given the emphasis in the review on arts education, and given the significant contribution that arts and humanities make more broadly—spiritually, culturally and socially—there is growing evidence that leading AI companies are increasingly recruiting graduates in English, philosophy, history, theology and other humanities for work on ethics, model alignment, communications and public trust. Given the increasing threat that these subjects are under, they seem to be viewed as an easy target for cuts in higher education, with Exeter University being the latest example. Could the Minister outline what plans the Government have not only to safeguard arts and humanities education at all levels but to promote them as the significant asset they are?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

As an arts graduate, I entirely associate myself with the comments made by the right reverend Prelate. We are clear that arts education is important. That is why it was at the heart of the independent curriculum and assessment review, encouraging creative arts education and opening access to art, design, dance, drama and music to every child anywhere. On the right reverend Prelate’s points regarding DfE policy, I will highlight his question to my noble friend Lady Smith. However, I am clear that, like DCMS, DfE is committed to a strong arts education at every stage throughout young people’s education.