Gregory Stafford Portrait

Gregory Stafford

Conservative - Farnham and Bordon

1,349 (2.5%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 4th July 2024

Opposition Assistant Whip (Commons)

(since November 2024)

4 APPG Officer Positions (as of 18 Jun 2025)
Adult Social Care, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Slovenia, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
2 APPG Memberships
Dementia, Pharmacy
Mental Health Bill [HL]
9th Jun 2025 - 24th Jun 2025
Tobacco and Vapes Bill
18th Dec 2024 - 30th Jan 2025


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Gregory Stafford has voted in 236 divisions, and 1 time against the majority of their Party.

28 Jan 2025 - Tobacco and Vapes Bill (Fourteenth sitting) - View Vote Context
Gregory Stafford voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 2 Conservative Aye votes vs 2 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 12 Noes - 2
View All Gregory Stafford Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Caroline Johnson (Conservative)
Shadow Minister (Health and Social Care)
(42 debate interactions)
Andrew Gwynne (Independent)
(28 debate interactions)
Luke Evans (Conservative)
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Health and Social Care)
(26 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department of Health and Social Care
(184 debate contributions)
Department for Business and Trade
(24 debate contributions)
Department for Work and Pensions
(22 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(20 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Mental Health Bill [HL] 2024-26
(16,651 words contributed)
Tobacco and Vapes Bill 2024-26
(15,139 words contributed)
Employment Rights Bill 2024-26
(2,167 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Gregory Stafford's debates

Farnham and Bordon Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

Prevent independent schools from having to pay VAT on fees and incurring business rates as a result of new legislation.


Latest EDMs signed by Gregory Stafford

4th June 2025
Gregory Stafford signed this EDM on Wednesday 4th June 2025

Mauritius Treaty

Tabled by: Kemi Badenoch (Conservative - North West Essex)
That the Agreement, done at London and Port Louis on 22 May 2025, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, should not be ratified.
107 signatures
(Most recent: 1 Jul 2025)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 93
Reform UK: 5
Independent: 3
Democratic Unionist Party: 3
Traditional Unionist Voice: 1
Ulster Unionist Party: 1
Labour: 1
12th February 2025
Gregory Stafford signed this EDM on Monday 24th February 2025

Local Government

Tabled by: Kemi Badenoch (Conservative - North West Essex)
That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Local Authorities (Changes to Years of Ordinary Elections) (England) Order 2025 (SI, 2025, No. 137), dated 10 February 2025, a copy of which was laid before this House on 11 February 2025, be annulled.
22 signatures
(Most recent: 25 Feb 2025)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 22
View All Gregory Stafford's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Gregory Stafford, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Gregory Stafford has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Gregory Stafford has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

1 Bill introduced by Gregory Stafford


A Bill to make provision about the misuse of litigation to suppress freedom of speech.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 21st October 2024
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 4th July 2025
Order Paper number: 8
(Unlikely to be Debated - would require unanimous consent to progress)

1 Bill co-sponsored by Gregory Stafford

Transport (Duty to Cooperate) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Ben Spencer (Con)


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
6th May 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has had recent discussions with the Advertising Standards Authority on tackling misleading advertising by commercial intermediaries offering access to government services.

The Minister for the Cabinet Office has not had any recent discussions with the Advertising Standards Authority specifically relating to this topic.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
6th May 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has made an estimate of the number of (a) third-party organisations and (b) quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisations that charge for facilitating access to free government services.

Information on third-party organisations and quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisations that charge for facilitating access to services provided free of charge is not held by the Cabinet Office.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
6th May 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Government has considered establishing a regulatory framework for third-party entities that charge for assisting with (a) Government transactions, (b) DVLA licence renewals and (c) passport applications.

It is for those departments providing services to the public to ensure that third parties do not mislead citizens into making additional or unnecessary payments for accessing those services.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
6th May 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to prevent unofficial websites from charging fees for government services that are otherwise free of charge.

It is for those departments providing services to the public to ensure that third parties do not mislead citizens into making additional or unnecessary payments for accessing those services.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
6th May 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make it his policy to prohibit (a) Government agencies and (b) Departments from (i) engaging and (ii) endorsing commercial intermediaries that charge users for access to otherwise free public services.

It is for those departments providing services to the public to ensure that third parties do not mislead citizens into making additional or unnecessary payments for accessing those services.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
4th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he plans to provide funding for legal advice for Sub-Postmasters pursuing compensation claims.

The Department for Business and Trade meets the reasonable legal costs of postmasters in applying to its Horizon redress schemes, and encourages claimants to take up this offer. Legal cost frameworks and tariffs for each scheme delivered by the Department have been agreed and published following discussions with claimants’ legal representatives. Post Office provides funding for reasonable legal fees to help claimants on the Horizon Shortfall Scheme to consider offers made by the independent panel, with further legal support available should they choose to dispute or appeal their offer.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
4th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent assessment his Department has made of the (a) fairness and (b) efficiency of the Horizon compensation schemes.

As of 2 June 2025, over £1 billion has been paid to over 7,300 claimants across the 4 horizon schemes. This represents a fourfold increase since July 2024, with more than 4,500 victims receiving compensation for the first time.

Claims for Horizon redress are assessed by applying the specific facts of the individual cases to established legal principles and any other factors which support reaching a fair outcome. Across each scheme, claimants have the option of accepting a fixed-sum offer or requesting a detailed assessment. Where a claimant is not satisfied with an offer for redress, the offer may be appealed. On the Group Litigation Order scheme, disputed offers would be assessed by an independent panel and in some circumstances, an independent reviewer.

We continue to seek options to speed up redress, in discussion with the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
4th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what criteria his Department is using to calculate compensation offers made to Sub-Postmasters impacted by the Horizon scandal.

Claims for Horizon redress are assessed by applying the specific facts of the individual cases to established legal principles and any other factors which support reaching a fair outcome. Assessment criteria for the individual redress schemes are published by the Department for Business and Trade and the Post Office.

Across each scheme, claimants have the option of accepting a fixed-sum offer or requesting a detailed assessment.

Where a claimant is not satisfied with an offer for redress, the offer may be appealed. On the Group Litigation Order (GLO) scheme, disputed offers would be assessed by an independent panel and in some circumstances, an independent reviewer.

As of 2 June 2025, over £1 billion has been paid to over 7,300 claimants across the 4 horizon schemes.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of British Steel entering liquidation during or after the period of special measures under the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025 on creditors; and what mechanisms are available for them to recover outstanding debts.

It would be a breach of the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act for British Steel to be put into liquidation while the special measures are in place. Prior to the Act becoming law, the Government undertook assessments of the potential cost to the public purse should British Steel enter insolvency. These assessments would be updated in the unlikely event that liquidation became a serious prospect.

Creditors of British Steel whose credit predates the special measures are protected by the security interests they obtained at the time their credit was advanced. Any parties wishing to extend credit to British Steel during the currency of the special measures will need to consider the most suitable arrangements upon which they would be willing to do so. British Steel management and DBT can discuss any such proposals as the need arises.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 7 May 2025 to Question 46621, whether he has made an estimate of the potential cost to the public purse of British Steel entering liquidation during the period of special measures under the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025.

It would be a breach of the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act for British Steel to be put into liquidation while the special measures are in place. Prior to the Act becoming law, the Government undertook assessments of the potential cost to the public purse should British Steel enter insolvency. These assessments would be updated in the unlikely event that liquidation became a serious prospect.

Creditors of British Steel whose credit predates the special measures are protected by the security interests they obtained at the time their credit was advanced. Any parties wishing to extend credit to British Steel during the currency of the special measures will need to consider the most suitable arrangements upon which they would be willing to do so. British Steel management and DBT can discuss any such proposals as the need arises.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
3rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with Sri Lankan authorities on strengthening business relations for British citizens who have set up companies in Sri Lanka.

DBT has a team dedicated to supporting the UK-Sri Lanka trade and investment relationship. Officials have regular contact with Sri Lankan authorities through the annual UK-Sri Lanka Strategic Dialogue to promote areas of mutual interest, including bilateral discussions on trade and investment.

My officials use programmes and levers to strengthen business relations for UK companies, including working closely with the Council for Business with Britain to support the removal of barriers to trade, and the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which cuts tariffs and simplifies trading rules for Sri Lankan exports to the UK.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
24th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support residents of rural 1950s properties to use alternative fuels to heat their homes; and if he will take steps to reduce the VAT rate on fuel for those unable to install heat pumps.

For most off-grid properties, transitioning to clean heat will involve installing a heat pump as these are cost-effective, proven technologies. The Government expect sustainable biomass to be prioritised where there are limited alternatives for decarbonisation. Renewable liquid heating fuels are also much more expensive to use than other heating solutions.

Before taking decisions on whether to support the use of renewable liquid fuels in heating, the Government would require stronger evidence on their affordability for consumers, and the availability of sustainable feedstock.

The tax treatment of renewable liquid fuels is a matter for Treasury.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
14th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of zonal electricity pricing on pensioners in the south of England.

The Government is considering reforms through the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) to transition to a secure and decarbonised electricity system at lowest cost and pass through the benefits of cheaper renewables to consumers.

We will provide an update in due course.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
13th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made on the potential impact of solar radiation modification on the environment.

The Government is not in favour of using Solar Radiation Modification. Given the significant uncertainty around the possible risks and impacts of deployment on the climate and environment, the Government is not deploying SRM and has no plans to do so.

The Department works closely with the research community to evaluate the latest research on the potential impact of solar radiation modification on the environment.

Kerry McCarthy
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an estimate of the potential impact of GB Energy on the cost of energy bills.

Great British Energy is a key part of the government's mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower by achieving clean power by 2030.

This is part of a sustainable, long-term plan to protect all UK billpayers from volatile international gas markets. In an unstable world, the only way to guarantee our energy security and protect billpayers permanently is to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and towards homegrown clean energy.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, for what reason grant funding for Adlar Limited was paused.

The Government is responsible for setting the policy which underpins the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Ofgem as the scheme administrator make decisions on scheme eligibility in line with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2022 Regulations.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of involving Adlar Ltd in the rollout of the Government's Warm Homes Plan.

The Warm Homes Plan will help people find ways to save money on energy bills and transform our ageing building stock into comfortable, low-carbon homes that are fit for the future.

Heat pumps will play a vital role in delivering the Government's Warm Homes Plan, and further details on the Plan will be set out in due course.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of a Tiered Energy Proposal for consumer energy bills.

A tiered energy pricing system is known as a block tariff. Traditionally, block tariffs are either a rising block tariff where the cost of energy increases in increments the more energy used or, a falling block tariff which acts in reverse. Low energy users benefit more from a rising block tariff and high energy users benefit from a falling block tariff. Since the introduction of the energy price cap in 2018, suppliers can choose to offer block tariffs as a competitive incentive for their business model.

Ofgem, in their recent call for input on standing charges, asked about block tariffs, and feedback from consumer representatives and charities was mixed. As part of Ofgem’s continued work on standing charges, they are seeking views on options including increasing tariff diversity in the market, which could include block tariffs.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an estimate of the cost to the public purse of net zero policies since 2000.

The Net Zero transition is critical to sustainable UK growth because of the economic costs of unmitigated climate change. The Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) published its analysis of the cost of reaching net zero by 2050 in chapter 3 of the July 2021 edition of its UK Fiscal Risk Report. As the OBR has noted, “the costs of failing to get climate change under control would be much larger than those of bringing emissions down to net zero.”

Kerry McCarthy
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions he has had with mobile phone providers on inflation-linked price increases in fixed-term mobile phone contracts.

I have not had any such recent discussions but the Government works closely with Ofcom, the independent regulator of telecommunications, to ensure telecom contracts remain fair and transparent, ensuring significant clauses, such as in-contract price increases, are clear at the time of purchase.

Following a review Ofcom banned inflation-linked price rises, since January 2025 providers have been required to inform customers upfront of any in-contract price rises in pounds and pence included in their contract.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
7th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking with (a) broadband network infrastructure providers, (b) local authorities and (c) utility companies to prevent vouchers issued under the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme from expiring before rollout to premises is completed; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of renewing expired vouchers where works are not completed by the required deadline.

Vouchers issued under the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme are valid for 12 months from the date issued. Building Digital UK (BDUK) maintains regular contact with local authorities and broadband suppliers to discuss any issues relating to the delivery of voucher projects, and suppliers can request an extension if they are experiencing delays to their rollout due to third parties, for example as a result of wayleave application and civil works.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
23rd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps the Government is taking to support communities to access media literacy education.

Government is adopting a holistic approach to digital inclusion integrating related policy on digital skills and media literacy. The Digital Inclusion Action Plan outlines steps towards delivering digital inclusion for everyone in the UK, including supporting community initiatives for boosting digital skills and media literacy.

Under updated media literacy duties, Ofcom is developing a ‘place-based’ model to embed media literacy into community digital strategies, working with the Good Things Foundation to support Digital Inclusion Hubs to offer media literacy.

Prevent’s network of Civil Society Organisations also deliver projects across England & Wales related to media literacy and critical thinking skills.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
8th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of working with (a) Building Digital UK and (b) Openreach to expedite the rollout of broadband through Project Gigabit in Moor Park, Farnham.

Openreach is delivering a Project Gigabit contract for Surrey (and surrounding areas) in which premises in the area of Moor Park, Farnham are included.

Project Gigabit contracts are typically delivered in stages, enabling suppliers to build out to rural and harder-to-reach areas from the central network in a quick and efficient way. The delivery timeframe of the Project Gigabit rollout in Moor Park is highly dependent on the placement of Openreach’s existing network and is therefore at Openreach’s discretion.

Build on this contract has already commenced and is scheduled to complete by 2030.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
21st Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to ensure adequate safeguards are in place for (a) older and (b) vulnerable people during the transition from the Public Switched Telephone Network to digital landlines.

This is an issue that the new Government takes especially seriously. The Government is determined to ensure that any risks arising from the industry-led migration from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) are mitigated, for all customers across the UK.

A definition of vulnerable customers who may require additional support in the context of the digital switchover was published in November 2024. It includes those who are telecare users and those dependent on their landline. Any customer, including the elderly, can also self-identify as requiring additional support.

Communication providers and network operators signed voluntary charters in December 2023 and March 2024, committing to protect vulnerable consumers during the PSTN migration. On 18 November 2024, the major communication providers agreed to adhere to further safeguards set out in the non-voluntary migrations checklist before restarting non-voluntary migration of customers.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
6th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking with the broadband industry to support the take-up of full fibre networks.

The government continues to work with the broadband industry and regulatory bodies to support take-up of gigabit-capable broadband.

The government welcomes the introduction by Ofcom of new guidance to ensure consumers are told in clear terms, at point of sale, about the technology that underpins their broadband service.

We also welcome the launch of One Touch Switch (OTS) by industry. Consumers now only have to contact their new provider when they wish to switch provider. OTS should support take-up of gigabit broadband as it makes it more straightforward for consumers to upgrade and move providers.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
20th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help protect the integrity of global research from authoritarian regimes.

The Government wants the UK research sector to engage with all international partners, in a way that takes account of specific national security concerns, is compliant with the UK’s security policies and regulations, and protects the integrity of global research.

As part of my department's proactive engagement with the research sector, the Research Collaboration Advice Team (RCAT) provides tailored advice to universities on managing national security risks in international collaboration. The Government also offers published guidance through the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and National Protective Security Authority's (NPSA) Trusted Research.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
3rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board on the scheduled Champion's Trophy match with Afghanistan.

The UK Government condemns the appalling erosion of women and girls’ rights in Afghanistan.

Participation in the ICC Champion’s Trophy match is a matter for the England and Wales Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council. My officials are in contact with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on the wider issue of the Afghanistan women’s cricket team. We welcome the ECB’s strong representations to the ICC on this matter and will continue to work with them on what more can be done.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
10th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential use of disused school buildings to increase SEND specialist school capacity in (a) Surrey and (b) Hampshire.

The statutory duty to provide sufficient school places for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or who require alternative provision sits with local authorities.

The department provides local authorities with capital funding to support them to meet this duty and has published allocations for £740 million in High Needs Provision Capital Allocations for the 2025/26 financial year.

Of this £740 million, Surrey has been allocated £16.1 million. Hampshire has been allocated £22.8 million.

This funding can be used to adapt schools to be more accessible, to create specialist facilities within mainstream schools that can deliver more intensive support adapted to suit the pupils’ needs and to create special school places for pupils with the most complex needs. This includes utilising spare capacity in mainstream schools where appropriate.

When considering options for the reutilisation of space, local factors should be carefully weighed up, along with considerations of quality, diversity, and accessibility of local provision and the forecast demand for places, to determine the most appropriate approach in each area.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
10th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will publish a progress report on the (a) delivery of specialist school places and (b) other outcomes by all local authorities that entered into safety valve agreements.

The statutory duty to provide sufficient school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or who require alternative provision sits with local authorities.

The department provides local authorities with annual High Needs Provision Capital Allocations (HNPCA) to support them to meet this duty.

Local authorities with Safety Valve agreements have previously received additional high needs capital funding where they were able to demonstrate that investment in local infrastructure would result in the availability of more appropriate provision and subsequent revenue savings.

This additional capital funding was paid to local authorities as a top-up to their HNPCA funding, and local authorities are responsible for prioritising this funding to create places and address local issues. The department continues to work with local authorities with Safety Valve agreements to deliver their plans.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
10th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Safety Valve Agreement signed with Surrey County Council in 2021, whether her Department has disbursed the full funding allocated to support the delivery of three new SEND schools in Surrey.

Funding for free school projects is provided at different stages of project development, in line with key delivery milestones.

The department provides capital funding for the acquisition of sites, land and construction. For centrally delivered free school projects, a contractor is appointed from the department’s framework and construction costs are paid directly by the department.

The department recognises the financial pressures on local authorities in providing suitable specialist places and will continue to support Surrey Council to implement its Safety Valve agreement.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
3rd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of ending the Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge programme on regional equality of access to apprenticeship (a) information and (b) advice.

Enabling access to apprenticeships and technical education remains a key part of this government’s education policy. The decision not to continue the Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge (ASK) programme was based on:

  • Growth in awareness of apprenticeships amongst secondary pupils, which is now on a par with awareness of A Levels.
  • Apprenticeships programme development since ASK was introduced, with emphasis now moving towards supporting successful participation and completion than awareness-raising.
  • Tight fiscal climate requires tough decisions about activity that can be extended.

Schools and colleges seeking support to raise awareness of apprenticeships and technical education can continue to access the following support:

  • The Skills for Careers Apprenticeships support page, accessible at: https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/training-choice/apprenticeships.
  • The Careers and Enterprise Company’s (CEC) resource directory.
  • Amazing Apprenticeships which offers a wide range of resources and support for schools and colleges. This is accessible at: https://resources.careersandenterprise.co.uk/.
  • CEC’s network of Careers Hubs, covering 95% of schools and colleges, works with schools and colleges to support their careers education programmes.
  • CEC also supports enhanced Provider Access Legislation which specifies schools must provide at least six encounters with approved providers of apprenticeships and technical education.
  • The Apprenticeship Ambassador Network of around 2000 volunteers which visits institutions sharing compelling experiences about apprenticeships.
Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
3rd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department plans to introduce a national alternative to the Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge programme.

The government is committed to ensuring every young person can develop the skills they need to succeed in work and life. We want them to have access to good quality careers advice as part of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity, under our Plan for Change.

Nationally, schools and colleges can access a range of digital and in-person support to help them inform their students about technical routes, such as apprenticeships. This support includes T Levels Ambassador Networks, the Skills for Apprenticeships support page (part of the government’s Skills for Life – ‘It All Starts With Skills’ communications campaign), and The Careers and Enterprise Company’s (CEC) resource directory.

Locally, through careers hubs, data and front-line insights support conversations about what is preventing take-up of technical and vocational pathways at the local level, enabling local partners to devise solutions. The government will continue to invest in high-quality careers education for young people, including boosting skills pathways such as apprenticeships and other technical education routes.

We will continue investing in wider careers infrastructure, including careers hubs, to ensure successful implementation of our careers programme.

Careers hubs, supported by CEC, will continue locally to address barriers relating to apprenticeships and technical education awareness and uptake.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
3rd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that employers are financially able to support level 7 apprenticeships in the context of the proposed funding changes from January 2026.

This government has a driving mission to break down barriers to opportunity.

From January 2026 the government will no longer fund level 7 apprenticeships, equivalent to master’s degree level, except for young apprentices under the age of 22. This will enable apprenticeships opportunities to be rebalanced towards young people and create more opportunities for those entering the labour market, who need skills and training to get on in their careers.

This decision was informed by a wide range of evidence, including Skills England’s analysis of official apprenticeship statistics and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. Skills England’s evidence suggested there was unlikely to be a significant or unavoidable fall in the supply of these skills in the long term, post-defunding.

We are encouraging more employers to invest in upskilling their staff over 22 to level 7 where it delivers a benefit to the business and the individual. It will be for employers to determine the most appropriate training. There are alternative training options available to employers at level 7 including non-apprenticeship routes.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
21st May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with representatives of the Council for Disabled Children on the potential impact of SEND reforms on (a) special needs children and (b) EHCP allocation.

The department regularly works with a range of stakeholders, including the Council for Disabled Children (CDC), on a number of areas relating to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) policy. We regularly meet the CDC to discuss the development of SEND reforms and their impact on children and young people with SEND and their families. We have appointed Dame Christine Lenehan, former director of the CDC, as SEND adviser to my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
15th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of promoting workplace apprenticeships as an alternative to sixth form or college education.

This government has a driving mission to break down barriers to opportunity. Too many young people are struggling to access high quality opportunities, and this government wants to ensure that more young people can undertake apprenticeships.

The department is widening the apprenticeships offer into a growth and skills offer, to deliver greater flexibility and choice for learners and employers, including through new foundation apprenticeships for young people.

Foundation apprenticeships will be a work-based training offer that will provide young people with clear progression pathways into further work-based training and employment. Construction will be one of the key sectors that will benefit from new foundation apprenticeships. This will inspire more young people into the construction industry and give them the tools they need for a sustained and rewarding career. As part of this new offer, employers will be provided with £2,000 for every foundation apprentice they take on and retain in construction.

The department continues to promote apprenticeships to young people through the Skills for Life campaign and the apprenticeship ambassador network (AAN). The AAN, which has around 2,000 volunteers, aims to champion apprenticeships for young people by aligning an ambassador to every state-funded secondary school by March 2026.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
28th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on support for (a) parents and (b) schools in understanding the legal routes to raise concerns about people who pose a potential safeguarding risk.

This government believes that action must always be taken to protect children from any safeguarding risk. That is why we are taking forward system reforms in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill and have published a government progress update to the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. The Keeping Children Safe mission board, chaired by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of Education, will ensure that there continues to be a cross-government focus on safeguarding, including how parents can be best supported.

We have also provided robust statutory safeguarding guidance for all schools on the policies and procedures they must put in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of their pupils. This guidance not only sets out the different types of abuse and harm but also supports all staff to know what signs to look out for, including how they must respond to any concerns about a child and when to make a referral to local safeguarding partners, the police and Prevent services.

Advice for parents is also clear that where there are child protection concerns, these should be reported to local authority children’s social care departments or to the police if a child is at immediate risk of harm.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
25th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of declining birth rates on (a) the financial sustainability and (b) capacity of nurseries in England; and what steps she is taking to support early years providers impacted by these trends.

It is the department’s ambition that all families have access to high quality, affordable and flexible early education and care, giving every child the best start in life and delivering on our Plan for Change.

We use the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) population estimates (to 2023) and ONS population projections (2022-based ‘principal’ scenario) to inform our internal national level early years funding forecasts. ONS population estimates suggest that the 0 to 4-year-old population in England decreased by 6% in the five years to 2023, driven by falling birth rates. The ONS principal projections assume that fertility rates decrease slightly in the short-term, remain stable in the medium term and increase slightly in the longer term.

These projections are used to ascertain funding and capacity needs and to support the sector as they prepare to deliver the final phase of expanded childcare entitlements from September 2025. From this year, we plan to provide over £8 billion for the early years entitlements, a more than 30% increase compared to 2024/25. The early years pupil premium rate has increased by over 45% compared to the 2024/25 financial year, equivalent to up to £570 per eligible child per year. We are also providing further supplementary funding of £75 million for the early years expansion grant and £25 million through the forthcoming National Insurance contributions grant for public sector employers in early years.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
25th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent steps her Department has taken to provide a remedy to the Teachers' Pension Scheme following the McCloud judgement.

Approximately 596,000 members of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme require Remediable Service Statements (RSSs) setting out their choices as part of the transitional protection (McCloud) remedy. Of those, approximately 532,000 RSSs were issued by 31 March 2025.

The remaining RSSs for members who retired before the relevant legislation was in place, are those that cannot be automated due to their complexity. The department is continuing to work with the scheme administrator to identify ways to increase capacity to complete this work.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
24th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of the rate of (a) fixed-term and (b) permanent exclusions for pupils with ADHD in mainstream secondary schools; and whether her Department monitors compliance with statutory duties to consider a pupil’s disability before exclusion decisions are made.

Information of pupils’ primary type of special educational need broken down by suspension and permanent exclusion can be viewed via a detailed table at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/e604c2a7-ce18-4fb3-d9d8-08dd800922cb. This table includes social, emotional and mental health which encompasses a range of conditions affecting emotional regulation, behaviour, and mental health, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Schools have a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010 not to discriminate against pupils with a special educational need or disability. This government is clear that schools can use sanctions as a measure to improve behaviour, and in the most serious cases, exclusion may be necessary to ensure that schools are calm and safe learning environments.

The department trusts headteachers to use their professional judgement based on the individual circumstances of each case when considering excluding a pupil. All such decisions must be lawful, reasonable, and fair. The ‘Suspension and permanent exclusion’ statutory guidance is clear that, in all cases, school leaders should consider early intervention strategies to address the underlying causes or contributing factors of a pupil’s disruptive behaviour before issuing an exclusion.

This can include where a pupil has any neurodiversity or unmet additional needs.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
24th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has made an assessment of the extent to which standardised behaviour policies in schools reflect evidence on (a) executive dysfunction and (b) other traits associated with ADHD.

All schools are required by law to have a behaviour policy which outlines effective strategies that will encourage good behaviour and the sanctions that will be imposed for misbehaviour.

Any policy must be lawful, proportionate and reasonable, and comply with the school’s duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the Education and Inspections Act 2006. This includes taking account of pupils’ special educational needs and disabilities.

The ’Behaviour in schools’ guidance provides support for schools on developing and implementing a behaviour policy which outlines effective strategies that will encourage good behaviour. This guidance is accessible at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/behaviour-in-schools--2.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
24th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on developing a cross-departmental strategy to improve outcomes for children with ADHD in education settings.

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. We are committed to improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as ensuring special schools cater to children and young people with the most complex needs.

The department is working closely with other government departments and with external experts on reforms. In November 2024, we established the Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group, which includes clinicians, scientists and academics, as well as education experts and third sector organisations. This group is chaired by Professor Karen Guldberg from Birmingham University and aims to provide an expert view and make recommendations on the best ways to support and meet the needs of neurodivergent children and young people in mainstream education settings, including consideration of the types of support that should be readily available without the need for a diagnosis.

The Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group includes the chair of the independent ADHD Taskforce, convened by NHS England, which provides vital co-ordination across government. My right hon. Friends, the Secretary of State for Education and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, have met on several occasions, including to discuss support for children with SEND.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
24th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans her Department has to introduce mandatory training on (a) ADHD and (b) other neurodevelopmental conditions within initial teacher training and ongoing professional development frameworks; and whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of training gaps on pupil outcomes.

The department is committed to improving support for all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including those with ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions.

From September 2025, the new initial teacher training and early career framework (ITTECF) will set out a minimum entitlement to training for all new teachers. The ITTECF contains significantly more content related to adaptive teaching and SEND which was tested with SEND educational experts to ensure new teachers are equipped to support pupils with a range of additional learning needs.

The department recognises that continuous improvement is essential and has committed to review the ITTECF in 2027 to ensure it continues to provide the best possible support. This review will include a focus on teaching pupils with SEND.

The department also offers the Universal Services programme which helps the school workforce identify and meet the needs of children and young people with SEND, including those with neurodiversity. This includes a range of continuing profession development such as bespoke professional development groups and autism training. Alongside this, the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme is a national programme, backed by £13 million of investment. PINS deploys specialists from health and education workforces to build teacher and staff capacity to identify and better meet the needs of neurodivergent children in mainstream primary schools.

In November 2024, the department established a neurodivergence task and finish group, which includes a range of experts from clinicians, scientists and academics, as well as education experts and third sector organisations. This group is chaired by Professor Karen Guldberg from the University of Birmingham and aims to work closely with the department to help improve inclusivity and expertise in mainstream settings in a way that works for neurodivergent children and young people.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
24th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent steps her Department has taken to assess the consistency of SEND policy implementation in secondary schools; and what mechanisms exist to hold schools accountable where legal duties towards neurodivergent pupils are not being met.

The department’s expectations for high quality, inclusive education are enforced through inspection by Ofsted. Ofsted’s proposed new framework for inspection of education settings will be informed by their public consultation, which closed on 28 April and includes a stronger focus on children with additional needs including neurodiverse children. We will continue to work with Ofsted to consider how their framework can best ensure continuous improvement in outcomes for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision. The framework is scheduled for implementation from autumn 2025.

There are several routes of redress available to parents, or children and young people with SEND, who disagree with a decision made by a school. First, they can complain informally or formally to the school. If they remain unhappy, they can complain to their local authority or multi-academy trust. They can also request to use their local authority’s dispute resolution service or lodge an appeal with the First Tier SEND Tribunal, if they feel that their child has been discriminated against on grounds of their disability.

We continue to ensure that local and regional delivery includes the voice of children and young people, parents/carers and the SEND sector. We are funding 153 local authority Parent Carer Forums, helping families to navigate the SEND system through the Contact national helpline support and advice service, and funding the training and support of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information and Advice Support Service (SENDIASS) staff.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
23rd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she plans to provide additional (a) resources, (b) teacher training and (c) curriculum support to improve media literacy education in schools.

Media literacy is covered in the citizenship, relationships, sex and health education and computing curriculums.

The department funds the National Centre for Computing Education, which provides teachers with continuing professional development and resources to support the teaching of computing. This includes units on messaging in digital media, the credibility of sources, and identifying ‘fake’ news and edited images, supporting the teaching of artificial intelligence (AI) and media literacy.

In 2024, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) provided £0.5 million to scale up two programmes, to provide media literacy support to teachers, children aged 11 to 16, parents/carers and other professionals working with families.

The Educate against Hate website also hosts a series of online media literacy resources which seek to help young people evaluate the validity of information. This can be accessed at: https://www.educateagainsthate.com/.

The independent Curriculum and Assessment Review’s interim report notes the rise of AI and trends in digital information and that it is necessary that the curriculum keep pace with these changes, including a renewed focus on digital and media literacy and critical thinking skills. The interim report is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/curriculum-and-assessment-review-interim-report. The Review’s final report and recommendations will be published in autumn with the government’s response.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
23rd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she is taking steps to ensure that information and communications technology literacy forms part of the national curriculum following the Curriculum and Assessment Review.

The independent Curriculum and Assessment Review’s interim report notes the rise of artificial intelligence and trends in digital information and that it is necessary that the curriculum keep pace with these changes, including a renewed focus on digital and media literacy and critical thinking skills. The interim report is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/curriculum-and-assessment-review-interim-report. The Review’s final report and recommendations will be published in autumn with the government’s response.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)