Oral Answers to Questions

Carla Denyer Excerpts

Monday 19th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Josh MacAlister]

My hon. Friend has been leading local efforts on this issue, for which I pay tribute to him. The Government stand ready to support local higher education institutions where challenges are present, and I will of course extend the offer to continue that support, as will my noble Friend the Minister for Skills. The Office for Students has responsibility for ensuring that such transitions are managed carefully.

[Carla Denyer (Bristol Central) (Green)]

T7. I have heard from constituents who are worried that the updated guidance on relationship and sex education encourages but does not actually require primary schools to teach about same-sex relationships. Will the Minister set out how she will ensure that all children learn, in an age-appropriate way, about a diverse range of relationships if it is left to schools’ discretion? The charity Just Like Us found that only 19% of LGBT parents say their child’s school openly discusses diverse relationships.

[Georgia Gould]

The new guidance sets out inclusion for all children and the recognition of those relationships. As the hon. Member will know, that is mandatory in secondary school, and we continue to take that work forward.