Opportunities for the Next Generation

Debate between Chris Evans and Lyn Brown

Tuesday 13th September 2011 Commons Chamber

[Chris Evans]

I agree with that, but I am saying that it needs to go much deeper. I was talking today to a friend, Andrew Whitcombe, who is the director of skills and business development at a local college. He told me that those schemes were fine, but that more needed to be done within the education system; some sort of driving licence was needed.

[Lyn Brown]

Does my hon. Friend agree that the biggest problem with this Government is that they take an awful lot with one hand, and give back a few pebbles with the other hand, to the people we represent? The biggest problem young people have had to face in trying to fulfil their aspirations in my constituency is the removal of their education maintenance allowance, which is not being replaced by anything of equal value. The replacement is certainly not going to provide for as many people in my constituency as EMA did. Although Conservative Members can talk about their grandiose schemes, they are not replacing what they have taken away—

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans)]

Order. Will the hon. Lady face the Chair so that the microphones can pick up her words?