Speeches by Brackenridge.

“My question was more specifically about the knowledge-rich approach, as opposed to the skills approach. How do you feel about that?”

“Is that both primary and secondary education?”

“Like the hon. Member for Brigg and Immingham (Martin Vickers), more than 3,000 people living in and around my constituency have multiple sclerosis, including Simon, who manages a full-time job only because his employer provides the flexibility that he needs to cope with this unpredictable and degenerative condition. Ne…”

“That is good to hear, because I have heard that from many local employers. Thank you.”

“I would suggest that this question is probably best suited for Sir David, based on your previous roles across education and your current role. This question is about parity of esteem with traditional academic subjects and vocational subjects. We have heard concerns that the school system does not currently prepare chil…”

“I would like to further consider apprenticeships. One of Skills England’s key functions will be to ensure that there is a comprehensive suite of apprenticeships for individuals to access, aligned with the skills gap that the Government have identified. How will you address the declining apprenticeship participation and…”

“To push on something that you have referred to regarding the transfer of functions from IfATE to the Secretary of State, the Government have warned that there may be a drop in apprenticeships, which is at risk of disproportionately affecting our adult apprenticeships and disadvantaged learners. How could you mitigate t…”

“That is good to hear, because I have heard that from many local employers. Thank you.”

“I would like to consider now the changes to the apprenticeship levy. A number of bodies have criticised the existing apprenticeship levy for not enabling training providers and employers to have that flexibility. What would a flexible apprenticeship programme look like in practice? What will the proposed growth and ski…”

“I would suggest that this question is probably best suited for Sir David, based on your previous roles across education and your current role. This question is about parity of esteem with traditional academic subjects and vocational subjects. We have heard concerns that the school system does not currently prepare chil…”

“I would like to further consider apprenticeships. One of Skills England’s key functions will be to ensure that there is a comprehensive suite of apprenticeships for individuals to access, aligned with the skills gap that the Government have identified. How will you address the declining apprenticeship participation and…”

“To push on something that you have referred to regarding the transfer of functions from IfATE to the Secretary of State, the Government have warned that there may be a drop in apprenticeships, which is at risk of disproportionately affecting our adult apprenticeships and disadvantaged learners. How could you mitigate t…”

“I would like to consider now the changes to the apprenticeship levy. A number of bodies have criticised the existing apprenticeship levy for not enabling training providers and employers to have that flexibility. What would a flexible apprenticeship programme look like in practice? What will the proposed growth and ski…”

“I represent a constituency with a long and proud tradition of manufacturing heritage. While discussions on automation usually focus on AI, I am grateful to my hon. Friend for recognising the importance of robotics in this sector. The UK lags behind its global competitors in robot density; we are the lowest among the G7…”

“Wolverhampton North East has the UK’s largest steel processing and distribution centre. Will the Minister outline how the Government intend to protect jobs across this vital industry by backing a robust industrial strategy and the £2.5 billion plan for steel?”

“There is nothing more symbolic of broken Britain and the mess we inherited than the state of our pothole-riddled roads. Bumpy, crumbling and unsafe roads have become the norm rather than the exception. For far too long, our infrastructure was allowed to deteriorate, with cash-strapped councils having to prioritise vita…”

“I welcome the Secretary of State’s statement, given the uncertainty and turmoil caused by US tariffs on British-made vehicles. Will she outline how she is responding to major employers such as Jaguar Land Rover, to ensure they can remain competitive and safeguard jobs in our local communities, as shared by Members from…”

“I am pleased to say that that will end with the Bill, which will ban vape advertising aimed at children, outlaw sales from vending machines and crack down on packaging designed to attract young eyes. Firm action to protect the health of children includes a £10 million boost for trading standards to fund more enforcemen…”

“I will focus my comments on the vaping elements of the Bill, and particularly the impact on children. It is a desperately sad and damning reflection on our society that we now need a dedicated clinic at Alder Hey children’s hospital to treat children as young as 11 for vaping addiction. I was horrified to read Professo…”

“I welcome the Bill, which reflects the priorities of a responsible Government committed to tackling the housing crisis and driving regeneration, jobs, apprenticeships and investment while protecting our precious green spaces and green belt. The Bill will usher in a new era of house building—a long-standing issue that s…”