Universities: Statutory Duty of Care
Ann Davies Excerpts(1 day, 13 hours ago)
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Llinos Medi
I totally agree. The importance of today’s debate is that Mared’s name is recorded here and is always in our minutes and in our memories.
Ann Davies (Caerfyrddin) (PC)
I think we all fully appreciate the work that universities do to try to look after the wellbeing of their students. However, does my hon. Friend agree that the lack of investment in public services—by which I mean the health service as well as others—can perhaps lead to tragic consequences, such as Mared’s, for students who have mental health issues or who have been sexually abused? Our public services need more investment so that we can scoop up these young people and look after them a lot better.
Llinos Medi
I totally agree with my hon. Friend. Better resources and funding for our public services would go a long way to help students who are feeling vulnerable, scared and unable to cope. As the hon. Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy) mentioned, we recognise that students’ independence and autonomy as adults is important, but it is also our role here to make sure that we put safeguards in place to balance their autonomy with the need to safeguard them at vulnerable times.