King’s Speech

Baroness Garden of Frognal Excerpts

Tuesday 19th May 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Garden of Frognal (LD)]

My Lords, I congratulate all the maiden speakers on excellent contributions and particularly welcome my two new colleagues, the noble Baroness, Lady Leaman, and the noble Lord, Lord Dixon, who are both taking a well-earned break. We are delighted to have them join us and we look forward to working with them.

I know the convention is not to repeat a point made earlier in the debate, but as number 48 it is quite difficult to find totally new things to say. However, I will concentrate on education within the many subjects of today’s debate. I thought I was going to say something new in talking about modern languages—and blow me, the noble Baroness, Lady Blower, has just talked about modern languages.

I am a former modern linguist, and how pleased I am to see that we seem to be rejoining Erasmus, a brilliant programme for encouraging young people to learn languages and experience life in other countries. Leaving it was one of the very many losses from Brexit, but Erasmus+ gives hope that the Government will be able to support this valuable scheme. Will they also introduce group passports and find other ways of enabling disadvantaged youngsters to afford life-affirming experiences? If we wish to be an internationally minded country, we need to be able to speak other languages. It is no good just speaking English loudly. It honestly does not get you anywhere.

It is a matter of shame that numbers of GCSE and A-level entries are dropping, leading to some universities having to close language departments through lack of applicants. A knock-on effect of this, of course, is fewer language teachers. Starting languages in primary schools enables children to learn so much more enthusiastically. What support are the Government giving to ensure that there are language teachers to enthuse and inspire the young?

Just as languages need a boost in our education system, so do life skills and practical skills. We should be ashamed that a million young people are not in education, employment or training; many of them will have been turned off learning by the largely academic curriculum so beloved by the previous Government. Yet the country is short of skilled people in engineering, construction, hospitality and crafts. Schools need to offer music, as we have heard already, and art, drama, sport and dance, if we are to maintain this country’s reputation for creativity. The creative industries are major assets for the country in their earning power and their power to make people feel good about themselves. We need to encourage the next generation to follow Tom Stoppard, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lucian Freud. Well, perhaps not Lucian Freud; perhaps Tracey Emin instead.

This Government have made some good decisions in addressing the curriculum to give a focus on skills for life, moving away from the facts leading to university which are so highly prized, but not relevant for many learners. Can the Minister say when we will see a curriculum to cater for all young people which will prepare them for life, enthuse them about learning and help them get jobs the country needs, and which will give them self-respect and the satisfaction of work?

Please will the Government also review their draconian treatment of independent schools? Some of the smaller, more specialist schools dealing with special needs, music and dance are struggling with the imposition of VAT and taxes, which cannot be passed on to embattled parents. Not all parents at private schools are wealthy; some are just struggling with their children, who need a particular environment. We need to encourage talented and disadvantaged youngsters. Can the Minister say if the Government will review the very broad brush they used to extract money from independent schools? I look forward to the other speakers and to the Minister’s reply.