Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bridget Phillipson and Desmond Swayne

Monday 2nd March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

T4. Instead of the Secretary of State’s cap on the number of branded items of school uniform, will she substitute that for a monetary cap, which would afford much greater flexibility to schools?

[Bridget Phillipson]

We were elected on a manifesto to deliver a limit on the number of branded items to cut the cost of school uniform. Unfortunately, some of what the right hon. Gentleman proposes could have unintended consequences that would not tackle the problem we are facing, which is that children should be smart when they go to school, but it should not cost their parents the earth.

Curriculum and Assessment Review

Debate between Bridget Phillipson and Desmond Swayne

Wednesday 5th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

Now for a short question masterclass from Sir Desmond Swayne.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

This is education in the clouds when contrasted with the reality of a war against elitism, which is so often actually a war against excel-ism on the ground, is it not?

[Bridget Phillipson]

No.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bridget Phillipson and Desmond Swayne

Wednesday 3rd September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Bridget Phillipson]

We recognise the value of parents continuing in education, which is why there are often available mechanisms such as the childcare grant and the parents’ learning allowance. As I do not know the full circumstances of her constituent’s case, I would be grateful if my hon. Friend would write to me, so I can make sure that we give her constituent full advice on the childcare support that might be available to her.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

T3. Why has the Minister chosen to champion the rights of the residents of the Bell hotel over those of the local community?

[Bridget Phillipson]

That is just plain wrong.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bridget Phillipson and Desmond Swayne

Wednesday 18th March 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Swayne]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is alive to that problem, and we are working across Government to deal with it.

[Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South) (Lab)]

13. Nearly two years on from the Rana Plaza disaster in which thousands of garment workers were killed or injured when their factory collapsed, will the Minister update the House on the work he is doing with UK brands and retailers to ensure safe working conditions and fair pay?

[Mr Swayne]

Our £7.4 million programme with the International Labour Organisation is training some 575 factory inspectors and carrying out, with our funding, some 1,800 factory investigations for electrical, fire and structural problems. We are driving forward that agenda.