Speeches by Perteghella.

“Does the Minister agree that in Stratford-upon-Avon, hospitality is not just an industry, but the lifeblood of our visitor economy? Every pub, café or restaurant closure is a blow not only to jobs, but to our high street and our community’s sense of place.”

“Devolution should mean giving power back to people and communities. Decisions ought to be taken as close as possible to those they affect, but this Bill imposes a top-down model from Whitehall with sweeping new powers for the Secretary of State, mayors and their unelected commissioners, rather than the real empowerment…”

“Finally, what else can be done to support pupils from low-income backgrounds to achieve good attendance?”

“I would like to focus on the specific group of young carers. From DfE data we know that young carers, on average, missed more days of school last year and have double the suspension rate of their peers without caring responsibilities. The Carers Trust suggests steps that can improve attendance for this group, such as s…”

“Finally, what else can be done to support pupils from low-income backgrounds to achieve good attendance?”

“I would like to focus on the specific group of young carers. From DfE data we know that young carers, on average, missed more days of school last year and have double the suspension rate of their peers without caring responsibilities. The Carers Trust suggests steps that can improve attendance for this group, such as s…”

“Does the Foreign Secretary agree that the Israeli Government should bear heavy consequences should they decide to proceed with the approval of the illegal E1 settlement plan in occupied East Jerusalem, which will threaten the two-state solution?”

“A report presented to the APPG for care-experienced children and young people revealed that more than 4,000 young people in care either moved placements or left care during their A-level exam period. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that schools and colleges are properly equipped to support care-experienced …”

“My constituents have faced an increase in their water bills without any improvement in the dumping of sewage in their rivers and brooks or upgrade in their infrastructure. What assurances can the Government provide that those increases will not end up in the pockets of water company bosses?”

“First, I am proud to say that the residents of my constituency have opened their homes and their hearts to many Ukrainian families fleeing this horrific conflict. They are now our neighbours and friends, they work or study, and they are part of our community. Does my hon. Friend agree that we a need bespoke route to pe…”

“Several education unions have raised concerns about the current curriculum’s inclusivity. What approaches are you considering to promote inclusivity for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities?”

“What evidence have you heard as to the place of religious education in the national curriculum and how it should be treated compared with other subjects?”

“Should a broad and balanced curriculum that we all want foster in every child, no matter their needs, a lifelong love for learning? Are you looking at that in your terms of reference?”

“Just to follow up, what are the problems with locally agreed curricula? You mentioned the legacy we have regarding religious education. Have you heard of a consensus of opinions on national content guidelines?”

“What do you see as the main opportunities and obstacles in using a wider range of curriculum and assessment methods? How might these impact learning outcomes for children and young people with SEND?”

“Although this Bill aims to strengthen pension investment, improve resilience and boost pension pots, many of my constituents are among the large number of individuals who face serious pension injustices right now. I welcome some of the reforms that the Government are introducing through the Bill, including the terminal…”

“Given the scale of unmet need, does the Department agree that the £740 million high needs capital for 2025-26 is only a starting point? What immediate plans exist for a long-term capital strategy to ensure inclusive and sustainable SEND provision across the country? I have children in my constituency who are waiting mo…”

“What evidence is there that the universal SEND service programme is driving long-term change in inclusive practice and, given its funding ends in 2026, will additional investment follow?”

“How many additional specialist places will the capital budget deliver each year during the three years of the comprehensive spending review period?”

“This is the last question from me. If we go back to specialist state schools, what role will they play in the future SEND system, particularly in addressing regional shortfalls—I have one in my constituency—but also addressing cost pressures related to placing pupils in independent specialist provisions?”