Debates between Chris Bryant and Barry Sheerman during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Higher Education Reform

Debate between Chris Bryant and Barry Sheerman
Thursday 24th February 2022

(2 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Chris Bryant Portrait Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab)
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Not very well. [Laughter.]

Barry Sheerman Portrait Mr Sheerman
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Obviously not very well.

I am also a visiting professor and have a long-term interest in this area, and I have worked with the Secretary of State before. I am worried about some of the unintended consequences of this. I am worried about the long-term impact on many, many people’s lives of higher tax burdens. I am not thinking of the high-fliers, such as those who go into high finance and merchant banking; I am thinking of the core of our skills, the people who became teachers, doctors, nurses and social workers. May I ask him to make this inclusive and, as far as possible, to secure all-party agreement on some of the aspects? As for lifelong skills, many people have tried it but no one has really cracked it. Please value FE as well as HE.