Education (Student Support)

Debate between Steve Barclay and Karen Lee

Wednesday 9th May 2018 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Barclay]

My right hon. Friend will not be surprised to learn that that is a selective picking of the facts because it does not include direct entrants, to cite just one example that was not included. I could go on, but I know the—[Hon. Members: “Go on”.] It does not take account of direct entrants; that is one population that was not included. It also—

[Karen Lee]

rose—

[Stephen Barclay]

Would the hon. Lady like me to go on or to give way?

[Karen Lee]

Would the Minister confirm the number?

[Stephen Barclay]

I am happy to confirm that. We now have 13,100 more nurses on wards since 2010 and we have a commitment to expand the numbers—[Interruption.] It is a new programme and we are expanding the number of apprenticeships. We have committed to 5,000 this year, expanding to 7,500.

It is interesting, is it not? Having routes that give people opportunities to progress—having different choices for people and empowering individuals, not all of whom want to go to university—so that people from different backgrounds can go into the profession is the very essence of what our party stands for. It is shame—