Speeches by Sewards.

“Thank you. Are there any final thoughts?”

“Brilliant, thank you very much.”

“This is a question for you all, but I might start with Catherine, if that is okay. Is the DFE’s definition of an inclusive mainstream education clear across early years, across schools and across further education? If that is not clearly defined, how should it be defined?”

“Yes.”

“You have answered the first part brilliantly. The second part of the question is, how could schools make sure they meet the needs of all their students, regardless of their ability, background or need?”

“It does.”

“Of course. It is quite a long question. I am happy to repeat it as many times as you like. What were your experiences in mainstream and specialist education settings, and how could this have been improved? The second part is, how can schools make sure they meet the needs of all their students regardless of ability, bac…”

“Brilliant. Thank you so much. If you have further input, I am very happy to take that later on as well. Can we go to you next, Sarah?”

“Is there anything you think schools could do to improve? So let us say, as you articulated very well, that you do not think inclusivity works. What would you suggest?”

“My name is Mark Sewards. I am an MP from Morley, which is in Leeds. I have several parts to this question, but you have already answered the first part very well, so feel free to focus on the second part. I will mix it up a bit with who we go to first. What were your experiences in mainstream and specialist education s…”

“Thank you. Are there any final thoughts?”

“Brilliant, thank you very much.”

“I thank the Minister for that answer. I was proud to vote for the £22.6 billion increase in NHS spending, which means that we are getting 2 million more appointments seven months early and that waiting lists are coming down. Of course, there is still a long way to go and the British public deserve to know that every pe…”

“10. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to implement the Government’s plan for change.”

“Thank you for your answers so far. Obviously, there is a climate of intense financial pressure in the sector. How can the sector protect the quality of courses that are offered and what do you see as the role of the OfS in that?”

“You have set out a clear, long-term vision over five years. Are there any immediate first steps you will take should you be appointed?”

“You have touched on the reports that the Chair has already outlined. If you are appointed, what steps will you take to drive organisational change?”

“Today I spoke with Chloe Cheung, the youngest person to be sanctioned under the national security law. I know that she will be pleased to have been at least referenced by Members on both sides of the House. Chloe conveyed to me the anxieties and concerns of the Leeds Hong Kong community, which were not new to me, given…”

“That makes sense.”

“I welcome the action that the Minister is taking to combat Iranian state threats on our streets. He said in his statement that there was a long-standing pattern of targeting Jewish and Israeli people by the Iranian intelligence services. Although that is certainly no secret, it is still very concerning for the communit…”