Oral Answers to Questions

Gagan Mohindra Excerpts

Wednesday 4th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

My life was changed by the opportunity to study music—yes, very many years ago. I believe that every child deserves that opportunity. The Conservatives cut those opportunities—that particularly excluded poorer children—and now they call creative arts courses a “dead end”. I totally disagree; they are the lifeblood of the creative industries that showcase Britain around the world. The new national centre will launch this year, and Labour is investing in music hubs so that every child has the same opportunities to enjoy music, to learn music and to learn the skills that music brings them for life.

[Mr Gagan Mohindra (South West Hertfordshire) (Con)]

Q3. In my constituency, the Liberal Democrat-run Three Rivers district council has failed for years to submit an adequate local plan. It now has a ministerial direction, and prime green-belt land faces a serious threat from this Government’s harmful planning policies. How does the Prime Minister expect me to explain to my constituents that, while I consistently defend our green belt, the Liberal Democrats’ incompetence has made it vulnerable to destruction by this Labour Government?

[The Prime Minister]

This Labour Government are changing the planning regulations so that we can get on and build the homes we need across our country. The Conservatives’ failure was the failure to do so. But I must applaud the hon. Gentleman, because at least he has had the decency to accept some of the failures of the last Government. On special educational needs and disabilities, he said:

“my Government didn’t do enough on this.”

and, “it’s awful.”

He said his party

“should hang our heads in shame”.

He is absolutely right about that.