Oral Answers to Questions

Helen Maguire Excerpts

Wednesday 5th February 2025 Commons Chamber

[Bridget Phillipson]

I agree with my hon. Friend that it is disgraceful that the attainment gap rose under the last Government, and I will not rest until we deliver for kids from communities like ours. I agree that it is not good enough that only one in five disadvantaged white British boys achieve grade 5 or above in maths and English at GCSE. We are determined to turn that around. We are investing more in our schools and in driving up school standards.

[Helen Maguire (Epsom and Ewell) (LD)]

T4. What steps are the Government taking to improve female representation in all areas of sport, not just on the playing field but in the commercial side of sport, including in advertising, management and merchandise?

[Bridget Phillipson]

The hon. Lady raises an important issue. We need to ensure there is diversity in representation at all levels in sport. I am happy to look further into the issues she has raised.

Oral Answers to Questions

Helen Maguire Excerpts

Wednesday 13th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Bridget Phillipson]

My hon. Friend brings real expertise to the House in this area. We are committed across Government to tackling the social determinants of health and the stark health inequalities that sadly blight the life chances of too many across our country.

[Helen Maguire (Epsom and Ewell) (LD)]

T3. During a hospital stay, my constituent, a new mother with an exclusively breastfed infant, encountered resistance from staff when trying to keep her child with her. The distress caused left her needing post-traumatic stress disorder therapy. What steps is the Minister taking with Government colleagues to ensure that hospitals support breastfeeding mothers appropriately?

[Bridget Phillipson]

The hon. Lady raises an important point, and I am very sorry to hear about her constituent’s experience. I will make sure that a Health Minister picks up on that point and has a conversation with her, because new mothers, including those who are breastfeeding, absolutely deserve the right level of support and advice.