Speeches by Martin.

“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…”

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

“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…”

“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…”

“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 …”

“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…”

“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 …”

“A rise in the number of independent schools.”

“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 …”

“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…”

“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…”

“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…”

“I welcome the statement. Does the Minister agree that our investment plans are a world away from the chronic under-investment of the previous Government, with their lack of investment in public services, housing, people and an ambition for Britain. That included the previous Government decimating shipbuilding in my cit…”

“Many families in Portsmouth North continue to face pressure from energy bills and the cost of living, so I congratulate my hon. Friend and the Government on supporting those on the lowest incomes this winter, particularly through the change in the warm home discount, the £150 credit, the warm homes plan and the additio…”

“I have raised concerns about the rise in the number of houses in multiple occupation in Portsmouth before. This week, the council confirmed that it would take 12 years to house all families currently on the four-bedroom home waiting list without adding a single new family, because we are not building enough homes. Mean…”

“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…”

“I thank the Minister for acknowledging how tool theft affects people’s lives. Does she agree that this is not just about police on our streets and arrests, but about sentencing, and will she work with me, across Departments, to ensure that the aggravated circumstances powers that the courts already have reflect the rea…”

“Will the Minister give way?”