Speeches by Phillipson.

“Again, this is an area where, over many years, we saw not just the erosion of the fee, in terms of the income that it generated for institutions, but an erosion in the level of maintenance loan support that was available to young people. That is not something we can correct for, in terms of overcoming that wider gap ra…”

“That is not something that I can commit to now, but I will certainly take it away. You will of course know that we have expanded the maximum loan available to young people leaving care, to ensure that there is no question of their having to demonstrate family circumstances, or of some of the challenges that have arisen…”

“These are decisions that are taken at fiscal events. But, of course, we continue to work closely with Treasury colleagues on understanding the impact of such decisions on graduates.”

“The fact that Ministers from both Departments appeared before the Committee demonstrates the joint working that we are doing in this area. Our Minister for Skills was joined by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury at the most recent session, and we will continue to take a keen interest in the work of the Treasury Commit…”

“The international students market remains incredibly strong and competitive. We are a very attractive destination for students from around the world. But I would also observe that, increasingly, universities have become overly dependent on international students in some cases, which presents a challenge.”

“As a Department, we work very closely with the Home Office at both ministerial and official levels. Colleagues across Government, including in the Home Office, recognise the importance of international students to our global impact. That includes the friendships and trading links that we have, and the difference and th…”

“Not to my knowledge, but we do work very closely with the Home Office on making sure that we have a system that is fair for those who come and study in our country, and fair to the country overall. Of course, international students play a critical role in not just the economic contribution they make to universities, ou…”

“We will set out the position on that very soon, so I am afraid there is a limit to what I can say at the moment.”

“We will be saying more on this topic shortly. Our priorities overall are to make sure that the higher education system is financially sustainable. Of course, universities are independent, autonomous institutions that can make decisions about how they operate, and they control their own budgets. But I appreciate that th…”

“This has been a big focus of the work of the Department right from the first day I became Secretary of State. I was clear in opposition, particularly after the pandemic—although these problems were emerging long before it—that we were seeing very high and stubborn rates of persistent absenteeism. As you say, we know th…”

“There is the longer-term reform, and also responding to the here and now. On the here and now, you will know that the Government’s work on the youth guarantee, the extra investment going into further education and the work on refocusing apprenticeship starts on young people—tilting the system back towards young people—…”

“I believe that our post-16 providers, in terms of colleges and others, do a fantastic job in supporting young people, many of whom have had quite difficult and hard experiences further down the line. I will say a bit more about Alan Milburn’s interim report, which sets out a clear diagnosis and lots that we are conside…”

“But there could be differences across schools.”

“I will just start by saying that our support staff play an incredible role within our schools. You will have spoken to many school leaders, as have I, who say that their schools would not be able to run without the amazing lunch time supervisors, caretakers and teaching assistants. That is why it was a key commitment i…”

“There is.”

“Sorry to jump in. We have doubled it from four to eight. That is a first step. I understand the case that people make around that, but that is the first change that has happened in 25 years, so I do believe it is an important step forward.”

“I’m all right.”

“I thank my hon. Friend for her important question. She will appreciate, I am sure, that I cannot comment on the draft code of practice, but I want to reassure the House that trans people will continue to be protected from discrimination under the Equality Act. We will not treat this issue as a political football, as ma…”

“Here we go again, Mr Speaker. I note that an investigation by a King’s counsel into the hon. Gentleman’s conduct concluded that there was “credible evidence” that he had mistreated two female team members in a way that seemed “to amount to harassment”. I do not want to hear anything from him about violence against wome…”

“No one should face pressure or undue influence around their voting behaviour; let me be absolutely clear on that point. But let me also be clear to the House that I am fed up to the back teeth of Opposition politicians coming here time and again to sow division across our country. I am proud of the tolerant, compassion…”