Speeches by Martin.

“At a recent local public meeting in Paulsgrove, Portsmouth, parents raised concerns about school provision and the learning environment. As a local authority, we sit in the bottom three in the league tables. What steps is the Secretary of State taking not only to improve recruitment and retention in specialist subjects…”

“3. What steps she is taking to improve teacher recruitment and retention in Portsmouth North constituency.”

“On that note, at least 8,000 of my constituents in Portsmouth North work in freight and logistics, and it has been highlighted to me that freight crime has really discouraged female drivers from entering and remaining in the industry. The International Transport Workers’ Federation found that a lack of secure parking f…”

“The IFS has estimated that it would cost the Government about £400 million to sustain 16 to 19 education funding in its current level per student but in the recent Budget £300 million was allocated for further education. What are the likely consequences of this shortfall for the sector?”

“Residents in Portsmouth North have loved ones and family members in Bangladesh and, like this House, are concerned about their safety and security. Does the Minister agree that we need to see a peaceful pathway to an inclusive and democratic future for Bangladesh, and can she give us and Portsmouth North constituents i…”

“Residents in Portsmouth North are concerned about the rising cost of housing asylum seekers. Although it is not what we would have wanted as a Government, it is good that we have been open and apologetic about having to house, on a temporary basis, these people because of the inactivity of the previous Government. Does…”

“As a former teacher, I hope that the Government are working across Departments. Will we work with the Department for Education to ensure that these conversations are had in our schools, right from the beginning, at primary level, and all the way through?”

“These changes are fantastic and are much needed to get Britain back to work after 14 years of dismissal and neglect of real lives and real people under the last Government. However, areas such as Portsmouth North do not have a devolution deal yet. Can the Secretary of State provide details on how those not in work in P…”

“Antisocial behaviour, fly-tipping, off-road bikes and e-scooters racing along pavements and streets, and an epidemic of shoplifting are all issues raised time and again by my constituents across all wards of Portsmouth North. Does the Minister agree that we need police officers back on the beat in local communities, eq…”

“Yes—those who are choosing to home school.”

“We must always remember that at the heart of any public scandal, there are people. So many of my hon. Friends this afternoon have told tragic stories, but also stories of courage and humility. Alongside other brave, courageous victims and their families, Becca, Jess and their siblings have campaigned for justice for pe…”

“What should the strategy look like?”

“Apologies, but my question was also about those who want to have home schooling.”

“You have touched on an idea that might reduce the impact of child poverty, but is there anything on which the Government could take steps today, ahead of spring 2025, to help immediately reduce the impact of child poverty?”

“Brilliant—so you do not have a date, but you look forward to getting one. The Government also announced the creation of a cross-party child poverty taskforce to develop a child poverty strategy for spring 2025. How will you contribute to this process, and have you started?”

“I want to look at two reports that you have done, and that you have touched on in some of your answers. The first is the family section in The Big Ambition. You have advocated for the establishment of family hubs and universal access to parenting courses. What discussions have you had with the new Government on greater…”

“You mentioned the family review of 2022. Has the current Government indicated whether they will be publishing a response to that? If so, when would you expect it?”

“That leads me on to when you were describing how awful some of these kids’ and young people’s lives are. You used the phrase “better world” in your last report, which encapsulates all the findings into one. It is good to hear that you have met over 30 Ministers and civil servants and that you have a programme ahead. Th…”

“To finish, do you think that so far this Government is listening to children’s voices?”

“I have a few questions around family but before that I want to come back to something you were talking about with Caroline Voaden: home schooling. You said the words, “No fear”. You have also talked about personal relationships and communication, and obviously welcome the register. What work have you done with local au…”