Space Policy

Debate between Sam Gyimah and Patrick Grady

Wednesday 18th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gyimah]

The space sector, in addition to being part of our critical national infrastructure, underpins our value in the economy to the tune of £250 billion. This is not just about pushing the frontiers of human knowledge; it is also about creating jobs and helping to power our economy forward. That is why this investment announcement is so important.

[Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) (SNP)]

I have a feeling that we are about to witness some rocket launches long before anything takes off from a site in Sutherland. Given the contribution that Glasgow makes to the space industry—more satellites are manufactured there than anywhere else in Europe, and pioneering research takes place in the space institute at the University of Glasgow in my constituency—what discussions will the Minister be having with university space institutes to ensure that they can access funding as a result of today’s announcement and that they are fully involved as this project moves forward?

[Mr Gyimah]

I am planning a trip to Scotland before the end of this month, and I will be discussing exactly those sorts of things with the universities.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Sam Gyimah and Patrick Grady

Monday 19th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) (SNP)]

Does the Minister accept that if we want to retain students not just through their undergraduate degrees, but into postgraduate studies and long-term academic careers, they will need to have confidence about the benefits and provisions that will come with that? To that end, what discussions is he having with the University and College Union and Universities UK about resolving the pensions dispute?

[Mr Gyimah]

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that an agreement was reached between the University and College Union and Universities UK last week. That agreement was brokered by the independent arbitrator, ACAS. I am disappointed that that agreement was rejected the next day, however, and I am urging both parties to get together to talk, because that is in the interests of students, especially at this vital time in their studies. The new regulator, the Office for Students, has wide-ranging powers to ensure that universities work to deliver for students. There is no mandate for strikes to disrupt exams.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Sam Gyimah and Patrick Grady

Monday 4th July 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gyimah]

The hon. Lady asks an important question. I am in contact with a lot of local authorities, and the Department has the local authority working group. In addition to the increased funding we have provided, we are working to ensure that local authorities have the capital they need—an extra £50 million—to create places in their local areas where there is a need.

[Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) (SNP)]

T1. If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Sam Gyimah and Patrick Grady

Monday 30th November 2015 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Mr Sam Gyimah)]

As my right hon. Friend is aware, we have protected the core schools budget in real terms, and we intend to make the school funding formula fairer. I can assure him that King Edward VI grammar school and Chelmsford County high school for girls will receive funding that reflects their pupils’ needs transparently and fairly.

[Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) (SNP)]

On Friday, I had a meeting with the Glasgow English for Speakers of Other Languages Forum, whose funding is under pressure at a time when demand is increasing. Will the Secretary of State tell us whether any funds from the refugee resettlement programme will be made available for ESOL? Generally, what steps is she taking to promote ESOL as a means of cultural understanding?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Sam Gyimah and Patrick Grady

Monday 26th October 2015 Commons Chamber

[Dr Lisa Cameron (East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow) (SNP)]

7. What assessment she has made of the effect of the Government's proposed changes to tax credits on the number of children accessing free school meals.

[Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) (SNP)]

14. What assessment she has made of the effect of the Government's proposed changes to tax credits on the number of children accessing free school meals.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Mr Sam Gyimah)]

Thanks to the growing economy, the number of children requiring free school meals is falling. We are currently assessing the effect of proposed changes to tax credits.

[Mr Gyimah]

The hon. Lady will be aware that, in the rest of the UK, the majority of children who are entitled to free school meals have parents who are on out-of-work benefits. We are assessing the impact of the changes to tax credits, and there is nothing to suggest that people who currently receive free school meals will not continue to do so.

[Patrick Grady]

If children become hungry or undernourished as a result of missing out on free school meals, what effect will that have on attainment levels in the classroom and the life chances of future generations? What steps will the Government take to mitigate the long-term impact of these short-sighted cuts?

[Mr Gyimah]

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that eligibility for free school meals in Scotland is a matter for the Scottish Government. The Scotland Bill will give the Scottish Government power to top up or reverse tax credits, or to raise taxes, but they are noticeably silent about what they will do to ensure that such eligibility continues.