Modern Foreign Languages: Teachers

Debate between Baroness Berridge and Baroness Evans of Bowes Park

Wednesday 10th March 2021 Lords Chamber

[Lord Judd (Lab) [V]]

My Lords, does the Minister agree that if we are to have any hope of fulfilling the role that our Prime Minister sees for us as a leading nation in the world, we cannot give too much investment, support and encouragement to the teaching of foreign languages? For commerce and trade, they are vital. Also important—and, in my experience, indispensable—is the terrific record built up in international institutions by those from Great Britain participating as translators and interpreters. It is a wonderful way of having friendships—

[The Lord Privy Seal (Baroness Evans of Bowes Park) (Con)]

I am sorry to interrupt the noble Lord, but will he please ask his question?

[Baroness Berridge (Con)]

We agree with the noble Lord. As part of global Britain, we are encouraging the take-up of modern foreign languages. That is why they are included in the EBacc. We want schools to offer this to all students.