Speeches by Paffey.

“They were focused answers. Thank you.”

“Would your priorities be better enabled if the funding were either ringfenced or increased?”

“I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Blyth and Ashington (Ian Lavery) on securing this important debate. In just the last two years, Bitterne Precinct in my constituency has lost four high street banks and, unfortunately, Nationwide building society. Add to that NatWest in 2023, and now Halifax and Lloyds both …”

“Dr Pember, no pressure—this is all on you. My two questions are about funding for adult education, which we know has plummeted over recent years. How much funding is needed to ensure that the adult education sector is properly supported? Do you have thoughts on the impact on learners, providers and employers of the Gov…”

“One of the big tasks that Skills England has to achieve is to ensure a comprehensive suite of apprenticeships that meet the needs of the individuals who want to do them, but are also aligned with the skills gaps and with employer needs. In your view—Jane Gratton, I think you touched on this a moment ago—what should Ski…”

“If I can just press you—and maybe others will want to come in on this—if that money is coming from somewhere to go to something, what should that be? If it is not, like with the EMA, a direct payment for transport or materials for the individual to use to their advantage, what is it that you are saying instead? You men…”

“I want to pursue this idea of financial support for disadvantaged students. As you mentioned, Dr Tanner, the EPI has suggested a student premium for 16 to 19-year-olds, and yet at the same time the IFS and your organisation, the Nuffield Foundation, have claimed that the EMA—which is not dissimilar from what is being p…”

“It would coincide well with the launch of the APPG and the various events that the Royal Life Saving Society is running, but as I said, it is not essential. Certainly for Joe’s mum, it is more important that we have a debate in which MPs can talk about how to make sure this kind of thing is as avoidable as possible in …”

“Thank you, and I appreciate that.”

“I would certainly be open to considering that. The focus on water safety education at this stage is designed to coincide with the fact that Professor Becky Francis will be delivering her next report—on current timetables—around August or September on the curriculum and assessment review. I hope this would feed into tha…”

“Thank you, Chair. It is a pleasure to propose this debate. The motivation comes from the tragic death of a young constituent of mine, Joe Abbess, who just over two years ago, aged just 17, was looking forward to a great day out at the beach with his friends but, despite being a strong swimmer, got caught in a freak rip…”

“Dr Pember, no pressure—this is all on you. My two questions are about funding for adult education, which we know has plummeted over recent years. How much funding is needed to ensure that the adult education sector is properly supported? Do you have thoughts on the impact on learners, providers and employers of the Gov…”

“If I can just press you—and maybe others will want to come in on this—if that money is coming from somewhere to go to something, what should that be? If it is not, like with the EMA, a direct payment for transport or materials for the individual to use to their advantage, what is it that you are saying instead? You men…”

“One of the big tasks that Skills England has to achieve is to ensure a comprehensive suite of apprenticeships that meet the needs of the individuals who want to do them, but are also aligned with the skills gaps and with employer needs. In your view—Jane Gratton, I think you touched on this a moment ago—what should Ski…”

“I want to pursue this idea of financial support for disadvantaged students. As you mentioned, Dr Tanner, the EPI has suggested a student premium for 16 to 19-year-olds, and yet at the same time the IFS and your organisation, the Nuffield Foundation, have claimed that the EMA—which is not dissimilar from what is being p…”

“I thank the Minister for his work for my constituents. I am sure that he will sympathise with the latest victim to have been in touch with me. He said that with an unsellable and unmortgageable flat, due to the charges that the Minister has mentioned, he is now on the verge of bankruptcy. Does the Minister agree that r…”

“I thank the Secretary of State for her answer. My constituents around Weston Shore have had enough of exactly the kind of thing she describes. Antisocial motorbikes are racing outside their homes every night. The constant noise disturbs everyone’s sleep, yet they have seen no meaningful enforcement in recent years. The…”

“3. What steps her Department is taking to help tackle the antisocial use of off-road bikes.”

“What contributions have employment support policies made to tackling child poverty over the last 25 years?”

“It is a nice, light, easy one to finish with. Can you tell us your views on the current Government’s approach to developing its child poverty strategy? Do you think there are any key areas that we as a Committee should focus on in our work?”