Oral Answers to Questions

Lindsay Hoyle Excerpts

Monday 1st March 2021 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

This questioner has withdrawn, but we still have the substantive question to the Secretary of State.

[The Secretary of State for Education (Gavin Williamson)]

As the Minister for School Standards set out, we have commissioned a study to assess the progress of pupils this academic year, initial findings from which were published last week. That study has informed the development of our £1.7 billion investment to give education settings support to boost our children’s education.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

We now go to Amy Callaghan. Can I say how pleased I am to see Amy? Welcome back—it really is good to see you.

[Amy Callaghan (East Dunbartonshire) (SNP) [V]]

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who wished me well during my recent illness.

The UK Government’s decision to withdraw from Erasmus+ has far-reaching consequences, including for the third sector. Can the Minister guarantee that under the Government’s new Turing scheme, charity funding will be matched to that of Erasmus?

[Gavin Williamson]

Mr Speaker, I join you and, I am sure, all Members of the House in welcoming the hon. Member for East Dunbartonshire (Amy Callaghan) back and wishing her the very best.

The Turing scheme offers young people and universities an amazing opportunity to explore amazing opportunities right around the globe, far broader and greater than the Erasmus scheme. I very much hope that universities and the wider education sector—including colleges and schools, which also have access to the Turing scheme as a result of the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020—in Scotland as well as in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will really be able to take advantage of this brilliant opportunity. As I say, I wish the hon. Lady the very best.

[Mr Speaker]

I suspend the House for three minutes to enable the necessary arrangements for the next business to be made.