Speeches by Sewards.

“What strategies or measures should schools or local authorities put in place to help SEND students make the transition from early years to primary school, or primary school to secondary school? Does the panel have any thoughts on that? Who would like to start?”

“I welcome the Government’s commitment to growth. I also welcome their commitment to taking the difficult decisions required to generate it. We know that any conversations about a third runway will focus on the south, but I would like to ask about the north. May I ask the Minister, in my capacity as chair of the all-par…”

“December’s annual report on prison capacity stated that of the 88,400 prison places available, 97% are occupied, and it estimated that by 2032 we will have a prison capacity of around 99,000, but the central estimate of the number of prisoners stands at 104,100. What will this Government do to ensure that everyone who …”

“20. What steps her Department is taking to increase prison capacity.”

“T8. Springfield Training provides excellent opportunities in Leeds South West and Morley for young people not in work, training or education to do fulfilling apprenticeships. I have seen that in action myself. What is the Department doing to support such organisations to get young people into work?”

“I thank the Minister for his answer. Being the MP for Leeds South West and Morley is the greatest privilege I could ask for, and constituency boundaries ensure that all parts of our country are represented in this place. The same is not true of the other place, which is not representative of our nations and regions. Wh…”

“May I start by saying what a privilege it is to follow the incredible speeches that we have heard across the House today? It has been especially powerful hearing the testimonies of people descended from the families of Holocaust survivors. I wish to pay tribute to several Members before I begin the substance of my spee…”

“17. What recent progress his Department has made on reform of the House of Lords.”

“In my surgery in Drighlington, I met a constituent who has been suffering terribly as a result of mesh implants. Despite having multiple surgeries to remove them, she still suffers with long-term health consequences and now has cancer in the affected area, which she attributes to the mesh implants. My hon. Friend the M…”

“I thank the Secretary of State for his clear statement, and for spelling out why it is so important that we protect these deep-sea cables. Something like 95% of all international data goes through them. They are the backbone of the internet. Given those facts, can he assure us that the protection of that critical infra…”

“Absolutely. Thank you for your answers. Bear in mind there are about 10 minutes and five areas to cover, so very briefly in this case. Some evidence that this Committee has received with previous members has argued that a focus on child protection has led to parents feeling threatened and stigmatised by social services…”

“That makes sense.”

“Spot on. In a similar theme—but I am moving on to a slightly different topic—the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is going to require local authorities to introduce family group decision-making before children are taken into care. What impact do you think that will have on the number of children being taken into c…”

“Brilliant. Thank you all for your answers.”

“Absolutely. Following on from that, I have three specific questions for Andy, if I may. The first you have already touched on. What resources do local authorities need to deliver this? Secondly, how will local authorities use this information? Thirdly, what needs to be done to ensure a consistent approach to the regist…”

“Thank you, Chair, and thank you for your answers so far. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill places a number of restrictions on home educators, and it requires local authorities to create registers of children not in school. What are your general views on this approach?”

“Great stuff. Anything to add, Claire, before I move on?”

“No. Absolutely right.”

“Brilliant. Thank you. Any final comments?”

“Brilliant, Chair. You took the words out of my mouth. On this question you have already answered it comprehensively so feel free not to repeat your answers: to what extent would more investment in early intervention reduce the risk of children suffering harm?”