Military parents who'll be affected by private school fee VAT invited to Larkhill drop-in this Saturday Monday, 7 October, 2024 I am holding a drop-in event in Larkhill this weekend to hear from military families who will be impacted by Labour's plans to put tax on private school fees. The plans, which are due to come into effect in January 2025, will see private school fees subjected to 20 per cent VAT, with parents shouldering the extra cost. Today I have written to the Minister responsible for independent schools to... Articles
How Civil Society should play a role in the UK's recovery 4th September 2020 How should civil society play a role in the UK's recovery? I spoke with Lord Gus O'Donnell on the importance of sustaining the upsurge in community service we... Articles
Guidance as pupils are welcomed back to school 4th September 2020 This week sees many children and young people returning to school for the start of the new academic year. I'm delighted this is happening. While this will of... Articles
Kickstart Scheme to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs for young people 2nd September 2020 I am so pleased that today marks the start of the Government’s new Kickstart Scheme, which is set to create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs... Articles
My support for Wiltshire Music Connect 1st September 2020 Wiltshire Music Connect supports music education for children and young people in Wiltshire. Last academic year 92% of Wiltshire schools engaged with one or... Articles
Coronavirus and Deaf Community - August 2020 28th August 2020 Many thanks to those who have contacted me about face coverings and lip reading. I agree with you that it is vital to ensure that patients who are deaf or hard... Articles
Badger Cull - August 2020 27th August 2020 Many thanks to those who have contacted me about badger culls and controlling the spread of bovine TB. The UK’s bovine TB eradication strategy is founded in... Articles
Homelessness - August 2020 20th August 2020 Many thanks to those who have contacted me about tackling homelessness and rough sleeping. I am pleased to tell you 15,000 rough sleepers and those at risk of... Articles
An update on 2020 exam results 18th August 2020 A quick update on the exams situation. I am very sorry that young people, their families and teachers have had such a stressful week. I am hugely relieved that... Articles
My response to migrants crossing the English Channel - August 2020 13th August 2020 I have recently received a number of emails in relation to the increasing number of migrants crossing the Channel. I too have watched with growing alarm as the... Articles