Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gurinder Singh Josan and Stephen Morgan

Wednesday 2nd July 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. There is no need to run through the Chamber, Mr Morgan—that is in very bad taste.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)]

I apologise, Mr Speaker.

[Gurinder Singh Josan]

Local growth funding has provided vital investment for many communities across Northern Ireland in recent years. Will the Secretary of State confirm that the new local growth fund will give sectors across Northern Ireland the long-awaited security they need?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gurinder Singh Josan and Stephen Morgan

Monday 16th June 2025 Commons Chamber

[Gurinder Singh Josan (Smethwick) (Lab)]

T7. Does the Minister agree that plans to make all children in households in receipt of universal credit eligible for free school meals will build on the Government’s brilliant work to tackle pupil absence? The incredible numbers I have heard mentioned about this academic year are 140,000 fewer children persistently absent and 3 million extra days in school.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)]

I completely agree with my hon. Friend. Providing over half a million children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds with a free, nutritious lunch every school day will lead to higher attainment, improved behaviour and better outcomes, including on attendance, meaning that children can get the best possible education and a chance to succeed in life.