Education: Polish A-level

Lord Howell of Guildford Excerpts

Monday 18th January 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Nash]

The noble Lord makes an extremely good point. Of course, we have a lot of Polish labour here, particularly in certain skills where there are shortages—partly as a result of the booming economy—such as construction. However, our apprenticeships programme is very much focused on rectifying this.

[Lord Howell of Guildford (Con)]

My Lords, I do not think our war-time connections with Poland have been forgotten in any way, and they never will be. On the contrary, I think we are constantly reminded of them. However, in considering the teaching of the Polish language, does he agree that Poland recognises the need for the major reform that Europe is now undergoing, and that, despite some differences over the handling of migrant benefits, our relations with Poland are very close indeed and will form a major force in the reform of the European Union which we are now seeking?

[Lord Nash]

I entirely agree with the noble Lord, and may I congratulate him on his birthday?