Speeches by Martin.

“Minister, you touched on this with the earlier question from Darren, but I just wanted to explore further joint commissioning. The Council for Disabled Children told this Committee it would like joint commissioning to be a requirement rather than an expectation. In three parts, how would you assess the current joint co…”

“I associate myself with the Minister’s opening words. It is a privilege to speak in this debate as both a member of the armed forces parliamentary scheme and the proud Member of Parliament for Portsmouth North, the home of the Royal Navy and a community with deep historic ties to our armed forces. However, for me, this…”

“I thank the hon. Member for that wonderful intervention and send my best wishes to Jack for his birthday. In remembering that, I would also like to remember John Jenkins—one of our very own veterans from Portsmouth. In Portsmouth, we also proudly celebrated Armed Forces Day last Saturday, honouring the service and sacr…”

“The hon. Member for Harrow East made a really good point; there have been some developments on that issue through things such as fan zones. Fans can buy a ticket for such a zone, which is an area outside the stadium, and that allows for dispersal. It also allows fans to watch the game, particularly if they are going to…”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Vickers. I declare my interests as a season ticket holder at Portsmouth football club and as an elected member of the board of Pompey Supporters’ Trust. I thank my hon. Friend for introducing the Bill. I understand the need for it, but members of the public buy tick…”

“The maths and English resit policy for 16 to 18 year-olds has been described as a “vital lifeline” on one hand and a “nightmare” and “remorseless treadmill” on the other. I have had constituents who have sat GCSEs four times already and are not in a space to be passing them. The curriculum and assessment review has sug…”

“My question is about T-levels, so it is good to hear the bigger picture. Level 3 qualifications were among the first things the Committee discussed. In its interim report, the curriculum and assessment review described T-levels as the “gold standard” technical qualification, yet the evidence we have heard paints a diff…”

“Welcome, both of you. We have heard that the cuts to adult education and skills funding directly threaten the Government’s ability to complete and achieve their five missions and that, without significant investment, the Government’s ambition for a highly skilled workforce may not be realised. What assessment have you …”

“What do you think a constructive alternative would look like, as opposed to just resitting the GCSE each time—say four times, five times? In Portsmouth we don’t have sixth forms in schools; all kids go to college. Exactly like the picture we saw in Norwich, many of those kids are on the lower level of BTEC while they a…”

“I have three questions on apprenticeships. First, we have heard a lot about moving people into the workplace. The growth and skills levy will fund new shorter foundation apprenticeships designed to be an entry-level route into the workplace. We have heard evidence from the hospitality and retail sector that it would be…”

“You touched on devolution in the first question I asked; this is a bigger question on devolution. What discussions have you had about the Government’s long-term ambitions for deepening and widening devolution and its impact on skills provision across England? In the light of concerns that have been raised by some strat…”

“There is also the question of what GCSE maths looks like nowadays.”

“A rise in the number of independent schools.”

“In Portsmouth North, we know that education does not just open doors, but transforms lives. I welcome this Government’s commitment to rebuilding the foundations of the education system. Before entering this House, I was a teacher, and I have seen at first hand the power that education has to transform individual lives …”

“Children with educational needs in Portsmouth still face long waits and a shortage of school places; families are waiting, and schools are stretched. Can the Minister set out how the Department is working with local authorities to expand high-quality provision in areas such as Portsmouth, and whether the spending revie…”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Stuart. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy (Melanie Ward) for securing the debate. In Portsmouth North, we are proud of our naval heritage and deep connection to those who serve. Our war memorials are more than stone and metal; they are …”

“I warmly welcome the comprehensive and business-friendly UK modern industrial strategy; it is an investment in Britain, British people and British businesses. As home to the world-class and innovative defence cluster, Portsmouth has strength in maritime, space, drones, autonomous systems and assets such as QinetiQ, Air…”

“First, on Armed Forces Day, I want to thank all who serve and have served, including my own son, and recognise the huge contribution made by our armed forces, alongside all service families in Portsmouth, the very proud home of the Royal Navy. Secondly, I would like to say a huge “Thank you” for Armed Forces Day on Sat…”

“It is an honour to speak in celebration of Pride Month and to have listened to all hon. Members. I want to recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations in Portsmouth North who work tirelessly to support our LGBT+ community and who worked hard to ensure that we had a UK Pride this year. I tha…”

“I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton Itchen (Darren Paffey) and I praise Nessa for her tireless campaigning. As a former teacher who taught swimming in my NQT—newly qualified teacher—year, as a mum of three young men who are all confident swimmers, and as the MP for Portsmouth’s coastal community where wat…”