Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gillian Keegan and Andy Carter

Monday 17th July 2023 Commons Chamber

[Gillian Keegan]

Labour has never driven up a standard in our schools. Most of our private schools are nothing like Eton or Harrow; they are far smaller and they charge a lot less. Many cost the same as a family holiday abroad, and there are plenty of parents who choose to forgo life’s luxuries to give their children those opportunities. The IFS also said:

“The effect might be larger over the medium to long run… There is still lots of uncertainty around these estimates.”

Labour’s tax hikes are nothing more than the politics of envy. As Margaret Thatcher once said:

“The spirit of envy can destroy; it can never build.”

[Andy Carter (Warrington South) (Con)]

T4. Will the Minister update my constituents on the progress being made towards opening a new free school in Warrington, to provide better and more appropriate education for young people with autism and other special educational needs?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gillian Keegan and Andy Carter

Monday 27th February 2023 Commons Chamber

[Gillian Keegan]

Yes, I can confirm that my right hon. Friend is absolutely right. We have been investing in senior mental health leads in each school. On top of that, mental health support teams are being rolled out across schools. I think it is about 26% of schools at the moment, and the target is 35% by 2024-25.

[Andy Carter (Warrington South) (Con)]

4. What steps her Department is taking to improve reading standards.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gillian Keegan and Andy Carter

Monday 1st March 2021 Commons Chamber

[Gillian Keegan]

I am delighted to hear that there is such enthusiasm in Suffolk and Norfolk for engaging with and helping to implement our flagship reforms. We will run an open process to select the trailblazing local areas in which the first local skills improvement plans will be developed. We will certainly welcome a bid from Suffolk and Norfolk, championed no doubt by my hon. Friends the Members for Waveney (Peter Aldous), and for Ipswich (Tom Hunt). Further information, including the criteria for selection, will be announced very shortly, so there is not long to wait.

[Andy Carter (Warrington South) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure the safety of students and staff when schools re-open as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.