Speeches by Sewards.

“One of my constituents is a strong advocate for the Parky charter. I understand that the Government cannot commit to everything that is in the charter, but does my hon. Friend agree that, at every fiscal event from now until the end of this Labour Government, they should seriously consider investing in these services a…”

“Mark Sewards, Member of Parliament for Leeds South West and Morley.”

“Thinking broadly about the New Labour Government, the coalition Government that followed and the Conservative Governments that came after that, what changes to social security policy over that entire time had the biggest impact on child poverty? In addition, were there things outside of social security policy, outside …”

“I asked the last panel this question and their definitive answer was that the Sure Start centres had had the biggest impact. Over the last 25 years, what changes to social security policy have made the biggest positive changes to child poverty, and what changes have made the most negative impact on child poverty?”

“I asked the last panel this question and their definitive answer was that the Sure Start centres had had the biggest impact. Over the last 25 years, what changes to social security policy have made the biggest positive changes to child poverty, and what changes have made the most negative impact on child poverty?”

“Thinking broadly about the New Labour Government, the coalition Government that followed and the Conservative Governments that came after that, what changes to social security policy over that entire time had the biggest impact on child poverty? In addition, were there things outside of social security policy, outside …”

“Mark Sewards, Member of Parliament for Leeds South West and Morley.”

“I welcome the Minister’s statement. It is fairly obvious that these sanctions are essential in deterring the kinds of behaviours and activities that we do not want to see internationally. The Foreign Secretary has spoken about introducing sanctions against those involved in smuggling gangs and those who cause irregular…”

“As a maths teacher, a former councillor and a dad of two wonderful children, I know the importance of youth provision. We have heard from Members from across the House that the 73% cut in youth funding since 2010 has had devastating consequences; in Leeds, that figure is 83%. Leeds has managed to negate some of the con…”

“I thank the Minister for his statement, which fulfils his earlier promise to make one, and for his correspondence with me on a specific case. I also welcome the fact that the Government are committed, in principle or in full, to all the recommendations made by the inquiry. Last week at the inquiry I met my constituent …”

“Absolutely. I have one final question. You mentioned drama there. Drama, food tech and other subjects are 60% coursework, with 40 to 60 hours of coursework or practical work and then 40% written exam, which is usually a one and a half hour paper. Is there any scope to review that balance, reduce the length of the exam …”

“I will keep it brief. I have one short question for Tom and two follow-ups for Jill. Tom, ASCL’s submission to the curriculum review said that the examination system itself was partly to blame for the attainment gap. Can you tell us more about this?”

“Thank you very much. Jill, do you agree with him?”

“Absolutely. I have one final question. You mentioned drama there. Drama, food tech and other subjects are 60% coursework, with 40 to 60 hours of coursework or practical work and then 40% written exam, which is usually a one and a half hour paper. Is there any scope to review that balance, reduce the length of the exam …”

“That makes sense, but I take away from that that we should look at whether that percentage should be reviewed. Thank you.”

“I will keep it brief. I have one short question for Tom and two follow-ups for Jill. Tom, ASCL’s submission to the curriculum review said that the examination system itself was partly to blame for the attainment gap. Can you tell us more about this?”

“Thank you very much. Jill, do you agree with him?”

“That makes sense, but I take away from that that we should look at whether that percentage should be reviewed. Thank you.”

“Thank you, nice and succinct.”

“I only have one question. The age at which young people transition from education, health and care services tends to be between 16 and 25. For most it is 18 but those with EHC plans can transition anywhere up to the age of 25. The County Councils Network and the local government authority have both called for the stand…”