Oral Answers to Questions

Douglas McAllister Excerpts

Monday 9th September 2024 Commons Chamber

[Janet Daby]

I thank the shadow Minister for his question. As I have already outlined, this Government are committed to improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people, and we will provide access to specialist mental health professionals in every school.

[Douglas McAllister (West Dunbartonshire) (Lab)]

11. What steps she is taking to recruit more teachers.

[Markus Campbell-Savours (Penrith and Solway) (Lab)]

17. What steps she is taking to recruit more teachers.

[The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)]

As a first step in our mission to break down barriers to opportunity, we will recruit 6,500 additional teachers. We have kickstarted the recruitment campaigns, and made a 5.5% pay award, resetting the relationship with the education workforce. We will re-establish teaching as an attractive expert profession after years of damage under the previous Government.

[Douglas McAllister]

This Government have promised change in education, and made a commitment to raising school standards and increasing teacher numbers after 14 years of Tory neglect. The Scottish National party’s 17 years in power have led to falling standards, under-resourced schools and a growing attainment gap between the richest and the rest. Does the Minister agree that it is time for change, given the Scottish National party’s dismal record on education in Scotland?

[Catherine McKinnell]

Breaking down barriers to opportunity is a key mission for this Government and the Scottish Labour party. The SNP has seen attainment gaps widen and child poverty soar, but we will transform our education system so that all young people get the opportunities that they deserve, by driving high and rising standards across our education system. That is the change that this Labour Government will deliver.