Speeches by Paffey.

“Some of the written evidence that we have seen in the Committee describes the apprenticeship system as “overly complex” and “rigid”. We began to touch on this, but what, in your view, are the ways of improving the entire process of taking and training an apprentice for employers? What is your perspective on that?”

“That is a fair point about rallying regional Governments and devolved Governments. Presumably, you still intend to make representations to the Department for Education on why it needs to ensure that the funding for this is sustainable. Can you say a little bit about what representations you intend to make or perhaps ar…”

“The other question is more general, about the funding of FE. At various points, the Committee has heard evidence that the FE sector has experienced what is quoted as a prolonged period of reduced funding, and that the Government must increase spending urgently. Do you agree with the assessment that the sector is underf…”

“I have couple of questions on funding, please. In December last year, the Government announced that they would retain until 2027 a number of the applied general qualifications that had previously been marked for defunding. That included quite a lot of BTECs. What assessment have you made of the potential merits of pres…”

“Good morning. The Secretary of State has set out five priorities for the sector to focus on around access and outcomes for students, economic growth, civic role, teaching standards and the reform packages that you have been talking about in institutions. What conversations have you had with the Secretary of State or th…”

“Good morning. The Secretary of State has set out five priorities for the sector to focus on around access and outcomes for students, economic growth, civic role, teaching standards and the reform packages that you have been talking about in institutions. What conversations have you had with the Secretary of State or th…”

“You mentioned a number of things there where recommendations were not acted upon in the way that you would have liked. If you were writing the report today, would you make recommendations that boost some of those things that you have said have gone too slowly, or would you be making different recommendations completely…”

“Like my colleague, I refer to my previous interest as a lecturer at a university and a member of UCU. I was a lecturer in the humanities, in fact, so very pleased to hear Professor Press’s comments on that. Sir Philip, six years on from the review that you did, what have been the main impacts and the uptake of the reco…”

“This is probably mostly for you, Alex, but other panellists can feel free to chip in. You have spoken a little bit about how students have been affected by this crisis. Much as Jo has just commented on staff, do you want to say a bit more about what you are hearing about the impacts on students? In particular, could yo…”

“Just quickly on that, from the Russell Group’s perspective, do you perceive any of the reforms that are being asked for as change for the sake of change and being disruptive? I think that you have signalled broad agreement with them to begin with, but are there any specific concerns you have?”

“You mentioned a number of things there where recommendations were not acted upon in the way that you would have liked. If you were writing the report today, would you make recommendations that boost some of those things that you have said have gone too slowly, or would you be making different recommendations completely…”

“Like my colleague, I refer to my previous interest as a lecturer at a university and a member of UCU. I was a lecturer in the humanities, in fact, so very pleased to hear Professor Press’s comments on that. Sir Philip, six years on from the review that you did, what have been the main impacts and the uptake of the reco…”

“This is probably mostly for you, Alex, but other panellists can feel free to chip in. You have spoken a little bit about how students have been affected by this crisis. Much as Jo has just commented on staff, do you want to say a bit more about what you are hearing about the impacts on students? In particular, could yo…”

“Just quickly on that, from the Russell Group’s perspective, do you perceive any of the reforms that are being asked for as change for the sake of change and being disruptive? I think that you have signalled broad agreement with them to begin with, but are there any specific concerns you have?”

“Good morning. The Secretary of State has set out five priorities for the sector to focus on around access and outcomes for students, economic growth, civic role, teaching standards and the reform packages that you have been talking about in institutions. What conversations have you had with the Secretary of State or th…”

“You mentioned a number of things there where recommendations were not acted upon in the way that you would have liked. If you were writing the report today, would you make recommendations that boost some of those things that you have said have gone too slowly, or would you be making different recommendations completely…”

“Like my colleague, I refer to my previous interest as a lecturer at a university and a member of UCU. I was a lecturer in the humanities, in fact, so very pleased to hear Professor Press’s comments on that. Sir Philip, six years on from the review that you did, what have been the main impacts and the uptake of the reco…”

“This is probably mostly for you, Alex, but other panellists can feel free to chip in. You have spoken a little bit about how students have been affected by this crisis. Much as Jo has just commented on staff, do you want to say a bit more about what you are hearing about the impacts on students? In particular, could yo…”

“Just quickly on that, from the Russell Group’s perspective, do you perceive any of the reforms that are being asked for as change for the sake of change and being disruptive? I think that you have signalled broad agreement with them to begin with, but are there any specific concerns you have?”

“I thank the Minister for his statement. I join him and most fellow Members—sadly, not all of them—in fully supporting my two hon. Friends over the shocking treatment that they have faced. Does the Minister agree that such an utterly disproportionate and counterproductive decision by the Israeli authorities, at a time w…”