09/05/2016 House of Commons

legislated and passed by this Parliament. I would urge her to look

at the earlier changes will benefit cab which have had positive outcomes

in terms of encouraging and supporting people into work. Order,

order. Will members wishing to take their seats please, to the table. --

please come to the table. I swear by Almighty God that I will

be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her

heirs, successors according to law, so help me God.

The member for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough.

Will the member wishing to take his seat now please come to the table?

I swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance

to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors according to

law, so help me God. Will he make a statement on the

safety and custody in violence -- on violence in prison. Mr Speaker,

before I move onto the substance of this question, I would like to

update the on events which occurred at Wormwood Scrubs over this

weekend. On the morning of Friday the 6th of May cover prison officers

refused to enter the prison, citing Health Safety grounds. Later, an

agreement was reached between the National Offender Management Service

and the prison officers Association. All officers have now returned to

work and the prison is running a normal regime. The National Offender

Management Service and the prison officers Association are jointly

committed to resolving any outstanding Health Safety concerns

at Wormwood Scrubs. On Sunday the 8th of May, to members of staff at

Wormwood Scrubs were assaulted and taken to hospital for treatment. We

do not tolerate any violence against our hard-working officers. The

alleged perpetrator is now facing a police investigation which could

lead to come in all charges. Moving on to the wider question, I take the

issue of safety in prisoners are very seriously. Reducing the harm in

that prisoners may cause to themselves or others is the

Government's top priority in prisons. The most recent statistics

on safety and custody show that levels of self inflicted deaths,

self harm and violence in prison are too high. The figures demonstrate

the very serious challenges facing the prison service. And there is no

single, simple solution to the increases in death and violence in

prisons. These trends have been seen across the prison estate, both in

public and private prisons and in prisons and both praised and

criticised by HM Inspector of prisons. We have already taken a

number of steps to address these problems. We have recruited 2830

prison officers since January 2015, a net increase of 530. We are

trialling the use of body water cameras in prisons, we are

strengthening the case management of individuals who risk harming others.

And we've introduced tough new laws which will see those who smuggle

packages over prison walls, including other substances, face of

the two years in prison. We have recruited -- viewed prisoners at

harm -- risk of being upon to themselves. It is clear we must do

more. We need to reduce violence and prevent drugs entering prison. We

have to do better at helping prisoners with mental health

problems and we must ensure that prisoners can be rehabilitated so

they are no longer a danger to others. And that is why this

Government is committed to fundamental reform of our prisons.

We have secured ?1.3 billion to modernise the prison state and will

give a greater autonomy to governors so they are truly in charge. And I

look forward to setting out our plans in greater detail shortly.

These problems are deep seated and there are no easy answers. But I can

assure the House that this Government will not waver in its

determination to reform our prisons so that they become places of

decency, hope and rehabilitation. I thank the Minister for that

response, but fear it is exactly what we've heard time and time again

at the dispatch box. I hope people can see the situation in our prisons

is very serious today and the recent incidents show unacceptable

behaviour and conditions, it cannot be right. The prison staff and

public are at risk from the failure of this Government get a grip on the

crisis in our prisons. That makes it all the more they prize in that the

Secretary of State is not here today. We are all engaged in the

referendum campaign, there is no reason for him to neglect his

responsibility as Secretary of State. Yesterday, the minister said,

to prison officers were hospitalised following an assault whilst on duty

at Wormwood Scrubs in my constituency. Our thoughts are with

them and their families. It is a reminder of the difficult and

dangerous job that officers do every day, often hidden from public gaze

and without the knowledge that they deserve. This attack was entirely

predictable though. So much so, that to days before as the Minister said,

70 members of staff at Wormwood Scrubs walked out because they did

not feel safe. And while Tornado officers were sent into the prison

on Saturday, they were withdrawn on Sunday when the attacks happened.

Will the Minister says Pacific steps are being taken to ensure safety and

Wormwood Scrubs? There are insufficient staffing

numbers. With additional offices be provided to perform basic staff

until a review of staffing at this and similar prisons is undertaking?

Wormwood Scrubs is not an isolated incident, it is typical of the

dangers and problems across the prison estate. Reports of Lewis and

Leeds prisons have told the same story and it was said last week that

his department will take over Medway secure training college after

reports of the appalling conduct of due for a staff in running that

institution including allegations of serious violence against children.

14 prison staff are assaulted every day. There were 4963 attacks in 2015

compared with 300 -- 3000 -- more than 3000 and 2014. Prisons are now

violent and dangerous places with risk of serious harm and suicide at

record levels. We have heard for a year that the Government wishes to

transform our prisons. Now is the time for action before more prisons

become ungovernable and we see more serious injuries or god forbid the

death of an officer on duty. What I would say to the Honourable

Gentleman is that this Government is not in denial about the situation.

We have not been idle in seeking to dress it and we do not lack vision

or political will in terms of the issues the Honourable Gentleman has

rightly raised. I can also assure him that the Secretary of State

takes this issue extremely seriously, and it is our top

priority as far as prisons are concerned. He is absolutely right in

that he says the work by prison officers do day in day out across

our country is by its very nature hidden from public view. I can say

they are outstanding public servants who do amazing good, which

unfortunately is not seen or perhaps fully appreciated by most of us as

much as it should be. I would also say to him that the nature of

offenders currently in custody has changed. Today there are around 30%

more people sentenced to prison for violent offences, and prisoners are

today often acting more spontaneously and violently than

they did in the past in order to achieve their objectives. In terms

of recruitment, I repeat what I said to the Honourable Gentleman. We have

been recruiting at. And for the last two years. We have recruited an

extra 2830 officers since January 2015, and are continuing to recruit

at that level to ensure our prisons are adequately staffed. The Minister

knows that gradually we are understanding more and more about

the violence that affects our prisons, and that violence can

sometimes be due to inappropriate handling of prisoners with mental

health problems, or indeed that are on the autism spectrum. Just some

small changes can make a difference to the behaviour of those

individuals, so would he welcomed the National Autistic Society's

initiative would some prisons to have autism awareness accreditation,

in particular Feltham, where it is making a difference, and could he

give me an assurance that he will look at rolling this programme out

fully across the prison and custody system? First of all I pay tribute

to the Right Honourable Lady, my Right Honourable Friend's extensive

knowledge of this issue and the legislation she initiated in this

House. It was a pleasure to visit HMP Feltham with her, which I can

tell the House is now the first autism accredited prison in the

whole world, something I am extremely proud of. This good work

must not stop at Feltham, we need to spread it across the prison estate,

and she is right that this is one part of reducing violence across the

estate. Inspectors have warned of the Dickensian squalor inside

Wormwood Scrubs following a scathing report, reviewing that the jail is

rat infested with inmates spending up to 22 hours a day locked in

squalid cells. Overcrowding and poor conditions exacerbated this

violence, not only to staff but other prisoners. On the issue of

staffing, it is clear from a recent statement from the Prison Governors

Association that oversaw understaffing is an issue. Can he

assure us that the ideological drive to cut public services will not

further jeopardise staff and present safety, and will he also looked at

the example of the Scottish Government, whose approach to

recommending a presumption against shorter sentences of three months

has led to them plummeting and reconviction rate at a 16 year low.

Will he take steps to follow the Scottish Government's lead in

creating a presumption against short sentences and instead investigating

in robust community censuses -- sentences to address the underlying

causes of crime? I've visited HMP Wormwood Scrubs week or so ago. We

have an excellent new governor in the prison who has a good record. I

believe he has the best possible chance of making sure the prison

improves those issues. We have 15 officers over and above the

benchmark level within Wormwood Scrubs. The drive to greater

governor autonomy will help deal with a number of these issues, and

in respect of sentencing, the Government is currently consulting

on sentencing issues. I thank my Honourable Friend for the interest

and indeed action he has taken in the area of security, and interest

the Justice committee shares. Today I met the prisons and privation

ombudsman have told me 61% to inmates take psychoactive substances

at present. I wondered what consideration he had given to

enlarging the area of smoke-free zones in prisons and to what extent

he feels that might help with the problems? My Honourable Friend, who

is very knowledgeable on these issues as a Member of the select

committee, is absolutely right in pointing the finger at the terrible

damage caused by new psychoactive substances. I agree with her that as

we roll out smoke-free prisons across England and Wales, that will

help us reduce the damage, because often we know these psychoactive

substances are sometimes openly smote with prisoners pretending it

is tobacco when it is not. I am with her in wanting the roll-out

progressed but we will only do so in a measured and Safeway. The

Independent monitoring board for Leicester prison published a damning

report about conditions in that prison this morning, and it pointed

to all the matters he has raised, rising levels of violence, the use

of drugs and mental health issues. The issue is about increasing

staffing, although the Government has increased the number of

officers, it is clearly not enough. What further steps can be taken to

help the officers at Leicester Prison? My commitment to the House

is to carry on recruiting at the increased level of activity we have

been for the last few years. That is proving successful. It is a

challenge, specifically some sites in London and the south-east more

than others, but we are managing to make progress, there is the budget

to carry on employing prison officers, and I am determined that

we will carry on our recruitment objectives. The question was already

ably asked... What an extraordinary novel development, and Honourable

Member who doesn't indulge in superfluous repetition! You are in

danger of winning a medal! Extraordinary development. The

Minister mention the importance of dealing with mental health in

prisons. On Friday I met JP in my constituency who was talking about

the good work done by the liaison and diversion services. He was

encouraging me to encourage the Minister and Secretary of State to

extend those services and ensure the more community orders have with them

at a condition that people get the help they need. Honourable Friend

who is also knowledgeable on these issues is right and I can tell how

the Government is committed to making sure there is universal

access to a mental health assessment from the moment anyone encounters

the criminal justice system, and I would also point her to the

co-commissioning between governors and NHS England as far as mental

health and drug abuse services, that will happen, which I think will also

be very beneficial in this area. I am sure the Minister wants to sort

this problem, I have no doubt about that, and I thought his account of a

passion for reform, decency and hope was compelling, except, the fact is

it hasn't worked. Since 2012, the number of assaults in prisons has

doubled, the number of assaults on staff has doubled, and although he

talks about grew to more staff recently, the number of staff

altogether has fallen, and those staff are frightened. We are talking

about brave prison officers who are scared to go to work. And what has

he got to say today which will. And being frightened to go to work? The

Right Honourable Friend is right that confidence is an extremely

important commodity as far as the day to day work of prison officers

is concerned. She will know as she has been bolted on these issues for

many years, that the prison service has been involved by waves of drugs

affecting prisons in a major ways, and that in the early 1990s and the

fourth had serious invasions as far as prisons were concerned, leading

to riots and serious assaults in very high numbers. We have a whole

violence reduction Project, a two year project. It wouldn't be helpful

to give a shopping list of measures now before the violence diagnostic

tool and many other measures, to back up hard-working prison

officers. We hope to have more to say on these initiatives shortly.

Does the Minister agree with me that the prevalent use of legal highs, in

particular Spice in my constituency, is one of the many clear courses of

these increases in violence and unpredictable behaviour by our

prison population, and I would be grateful for guidance on what we are

doing to try to reduced rheumatic leave the numbers of those cases. It

was a pleasure to go rounds HMP Northumberland with my Honourable

Friend a few months ago. These drugs will shortly be completely illegal

as from the 26th of May when the Psychoactive Substances Act is

enforced, and that is very welcome. She is right in what she says and we

will not waver and our determination to crack down on them. Can I first

of all thank the Minister for the amicable meeting we had last week

with regards to HMP Northumberland. The comment nominated throughout the

whole prison estate nationwide is quite simply a lack of manpower --

the comment nominator. That is causing violence, whether the mental

health issue, whether alcohol or Spice or whatever. Can the Minister

say, he has said it is challenging, what extra measures can he take to

ensure we have plenty of staff employed in the prisons to maintain

a safe environment for everybody concerned on the prison estate? As

far as the Honourable Gentleman is as concerned my door is always open,

if he has further concerns about HMP Northumberland he is welcome to come

back to see me again. What I would say is that if we analyse what has

happened across the prison state, the increase in violence has

happened in prisons where there has been an increase in the number of

officers, the number of officers has stayed the same as well as there

have been reductions. He is right to say we need increased staff which is

why I give him the commitment that we will carry on recruiting at the

level that we are doing, and net increase of 530 officers last year,

we will carry on recruiting at that level. I have asked the Minister to

come down to visit the young offenders at Portland and I know

hopefully he will shortly. They have an unpleasant riot the other day,

prison officers were put in danger, and I must pay credit to all prison

officers who worked like a forgotten army behind-the-scenes. There is

particular concern at Portland because it is an old structure, on

the number of flaws, four or five floors but not enough officers to

man them all at the same time, thereby putting them at risk and

allowing prisoners free weighing whether should perhaps have it --

free rein. Can I ask my Honourable Friend to look at this and increase

the number of prison officers hopefully as fast as we can? It

would be a pleasure to visit HMP Portland with my friend in due

course. I know what he says about the design of that prison, and of

course with the ?1.3 billion commitment, this gives the

Government the opportunity to get the best design knowledge from

around the world to make sure the new prisons we build are as safe as

possible, and that will also enabler to cease to operate some prisons

were assaults and bullying can take place partly because of poor design.

In the first five years of this Government and above the prison

officers fell by 41%. In the sixth year of this Government, assaults on

prison officers rose by the same percentage, 41%. He mentions that

prison officer numbers are increasing, but he uses a figure

based on the last couple of years. Could it may harm the prison

officers there were in 2010? And how many there are today? I do not have

a particular figure to hand. Although, my memory is that he has

asked that before and I've already written to him with the answer, but

I will dig out the letter I sent, because maybe it went astray. But

speaking as the current prisoners at minister to the former prisons

Minister, and I know the right honourable gentleman cares deeply

about this as I do, you will know these issues are not easy and know

his own Government faced considerable difficulties on exactly

the same number of these issues, but what is not in doubt is this

Government's to determination through the prison reform programme

to get on top of them. He was chuntering from a sedentary position

that he knew that and do his own question, which is probably very

wise and will enable us all to sleep much more soundly from -- in our

beds tonight. I commend my honourable friend the wiki does as

prisons minister and takes his role extremely seriously. I fit Michael

Stich wins would be surprised to hear quite how much stuff is being

thrown over prison walls, mobile phones, drugs, legal highs and

knives. Surely in 2060 we have the ability to stop this happening? Or

at least to minimise it? What plans does the Minister have and what can

it tell us about how we will tackle this issue? Mr Speaker, these issues

are not easy, our prisons are not lie the Eden Project with a dome

over the top and unfortunately, it is not us to easier to get these

over a prison wall as I saw when I went around HMP Rochester last

Thursday. But my honourable friend raises an important issue, because

what I think is pointing at is that all of us, particularly as MPs, have

a role as Thatcher or getting the message out in our communities that

these new psychiatric substances or lethally dangerous, they do terrible

harm to the loved ones of families who inadvertently bring them in to

prisoners and we need a local community to work with us and the

police in trying to stop this terrible flow of these evil drugs of

the prison walls. Thank you, Mr Speaker. The Minister is right.

Prison officers do an exceptionally difficult job and they deserve our

fullest possible support. But that must be more than a platitude and

for that to be the case, the staffing levels have got to be

addressed. The other issue that needs addressing is prison

overcrowding. We have got a prison population now in excess of 90,000

in the rates. We have seen the length of sentences in the last 15

years drop by 33%. Can the Minister assure me that as he tackles this,

he will look at it in the round and not just look at prisons in

isolation, but also how they interact with police, prosecution

and court authorities? I thank the right honourable gentleman for his

praise for the work of outstanding prison officers up and down the

country. I would say to him that we are consulting on sentencing issues

which have a bearing on the overcrowding which he mentioned and

we are also determined to bring down reoffending as well. Our success in

reducing reoffending will also reduce prison overcrowding. I would

like to thank the Minister for his comments today, but also for his

support around the concerns we had at HMP Rochester and the secure unit

as a whole and I also thank him for his very, very speedy meeting with

me and the governor at Rochester earlier in the year. Particularly

though, as in the Minister will know, this year, our Medway secure

training centre was at the centre of news allegations, I would like to

ask the Minister if he could possibly confirm when the

improvement reports will be published, because my constituents

really would like some assurances that action and improvements have

taken place so that young people are safe in Medway. I would commend my

honourable friend for the serious interest and support that she gives

to the three prisons within the constituency. I was in HMP Rochester

on Thursday morning and I would like to commend the outstanding work of

the governor and head of security, in particular, in what they are

doing to combat the constant pressure of drugs coming into that

prison. As far as Medway is concerned, I can tell that shortly,

we will be seeing more -- saying more about this, I have met with

Doctor Gary Holden and the members of the Medway improvements aboard,

appointed by the Secretary of State, and I will be making further

announcements on their findings in due course. One of Michael Stich

wins came to see me just this weekend to express her fears for her

son who is imprisoned. She said to me that every day she expects to get

a phone call saying her son has been murdered in prison. What reassurance

can the Minister give me that prisoners, while serving their time,

do not live in fear of their lives? What I would say to her is that the

whole prison reform agenda speaks directly to the issue of violence.

Our vision of prisoners is one where prisoners will engage in a really

meaningful, relevant education. In skill and training, linked to skills

needed in the local community that will help get them a job. In a real

commitment to keep family relationships strong. If we can do

all those three things, we will reduce frustration and violence and

assaults. Wormwood Scrubs has been described by the Prison Officers'

Association as a flooded with drugs, mobile phones and weapons. And by

the Chief inspector as having cells so bad, you would not keep a dog in

them. Does the Minister is still think that this prison is fit for

purpose? HMP Wormwood Scrubs is a Victorian prison which has various

challenges. I went around its recently, and as I said, I have

confidence in the very good and your governor that we have there. She

mentioned mobile phones, which we have not talked about much so far

today. But I can tell her, as the Prime Minister announced on the 8th

of February, we are committed also to working with the mobile network

operators who also lead -- need to rise to their responsibilities and

help us fight the scourge of mobile phones within the prison. In the

last four years, there's been a rise in violence on the prison officers.

This is because of the understaffing and also the fact they are not

enough programmes for proper rehabilitation of prisoners. It not

time that we decided and re-evaluated how we decide who to

send to prison and when we do send them to prison, there is proper

provision available to rehabilitate them? Obviously, the decision as to

who goes to prison is for our independent judiciary, but she's

absolutely right on the need for better rehabilitation. We are

determined that time in a prison will be wasted, it will be

productive, it will be relevant and it will be benefited to the

individual prisoner and the wider community at keeping us all safe

when they come out of prison. My prison in Bridgend as excellent

rehabilitation work. Including drug rehabilitation work. But it needs to

support the local police force. It needs to tackle the smuggling in

drugs and the throwing of drugs over the wall. He gets that help. What is

the Minister doing to ensure police forces across the UK are working

with a prisoner forces and officers, because attacks on prison officers

and prisoner on prisoner violence is increasing and if we are not working

together with our police force to arrest those guilty of making sure

those drugs get into the prisons, we are wasting our time. I'd like to

start by thanking her for praising the work of HMP Bridgend in a

constituency and if I may, the outstanding family work done in a

prison. I'm grateful that raised the issue of good cooperation with the

local police, I'm pleased it's working well in her area. But she is

right that they can be variable across the country and it's an issue

article extremely seriously and have regular conversations with the

policing minister about. Mr Speaker, it is no mystery why assaults have

increased in prison on prison officers and between prisoners,

there's been suicides, more suicides. In fact, the last report

only last week said every single factor had gone up. It's no surprise

when you cut staff by a third. I was worried please listen to the

Secretary of State and applauded him. I am disappointed he is not

today. But the vision is good. And I would support that vision. The

vision is good for the future but we cannot wait for that jam tomorrow.

We need action now. We are still 7000 down on staff numbers. And

those officers and needs to be increased now. It is not safe for

them to go into work and no one can say that it is not safe to go into

work for them and not safe for prisoners themselves. We need more

action today, can I ask you what you intend to do now as a matter of this

urgent situation? I intend to do precisely nothing other than to ask

the Minister to sell the House what he and the Government will do? --.

One of the issues I've not mentioned today and I said to the honourable

lady, we are significantly improving prison officer training. That has

gone up from six weeks to ten weeks and we are giving officers the

additional skills that they will need to cope in this situation. The

training, on its own, is of course not enough, which is why I reiterate

to hurt the commitments I've read already seven times to date:

recruiting at the rate we are already recruiting to get up to the

benchmark level. The number of vacancies, December 2014, it was 5%

of prison officers, it is now 2%, I want to see that 0%. I've heard

these remarks through the Minister so many times, too often to have any

confidence at all that is going to do anything about this problem. And

this is a problem of this Government's making, when they let

far too many officers go in the first half of the last parliament.

Now he's got a problem, it is not just about numbers, but about

experience of staff. He's got a situation where you have experienced

inmates and inexperienced staff and this is what happens as a result.

What is it going to do, not just to get numbers in, but to make sure

they are properly trained, supported, then toured, developed

and assisted in their early years of learning jail aircraft? Because if

it carries on like he is now, these problems will never, ever be

resolved on his watch. She is right what she says about the importance

of jail craft. But I would point to the recent Chief Inspector's report

where the chief inspector noted that the new officers were treated as an

asset and enthusiasm and skills they were bringing, rather than being

seen as on the privation period and not able to add that much. So I

think if establishments get the right attitude and use the

enthusiasm of the new recruits, that is helpful. He's a very interesting

debates, this, particularly when we talk about how people are affected

on all sides of this debate, whether they work in prisons are all

prisoners or their families outside world about the conditions within

the prison. Like my honourable friend, I have constituents, to make

comments about Strangeways prison in Manchester, they feel there is a

culture in place to make sure mental health is seen as positive for the

prison but not Sunderland is to be controlled. Not Sunderland easily

controlled because of the targets of the Prime Minister. While I visit

HMP Manchester in the honourable gentleman's constituency I would

like to be give its the prison officers at their wits and very

challenging prison officers. I can tell him that we are absolutely

committed to improving mental health and HS England is taking on an extra

20 case managers at this year for adult skua services, we have

co-commissioning coming up and we take the mental health issues very

seriously. The Minister is well aware of the inquiry into prison

safety with adjusted Select Committee which addresses of

islands. On Friday, members may have noticed that the new Dutch revenues

slipped out that Medway STC which was amiss when by group for Security

as now, into the Ministry of Justice hands. The next day, the report come

out on trains be, showing endemic use of restraint. So should be the

logical conclusion is that the Minister of Justice should now take

over rains? I have a sense of the members will be approaching the

chair of the Backbench Business Committee and seeking a debate on

these matters. I said because quite a number of what we have just heard

have been nearer to debates contributions than to questions.

Perhaps I can just make that point gently. As far as Medway is

concerned, all governments do not comment on leaks, wherever they may,

from and we will have more to say on the Medway in due course and indeed

on all three secure training centres, because the honourable lady

is right that some of the issues apply to Medway clearly have

relevance across all three STC 's. The honourable member already

mentioned Spice. Officers in my constituency have ended up on sick

leave because of the effects of smoke from this substance. Others

have been injured, trying to deal with violent prisoners, some taken

to hospital after taking the substance putting officers at risk.

When will the Government get the right systems in place to stop the

substance is getting What I would say to the noble

gentleman is also investing in new technology and trying a full body

scanner to detect types of psychoactive substances concealed in

the body. I also believe in time the smoking ban, when rolled out to

prisons in his area and across the country, will help, because he will

know that unfortunately Spice is often openly smoked with prisoners

pretending it is tobacco. Prison officers at HMP Lancaster Farms will

have watched the events at Wormwood Scrubs with trepidation because the

situation there is reflected across the country. The situation at

Lancaster Farms was so bad that prison officers went to the local

paper to expose the issue of drugs in prisons and a need for more

prison officers. Will the Minister now commit to putting more money

into prison staffing so the staff can go to work and feel safe? I

would point out to the Honourable Lady that the Prison Officers'

Association reached an agreement with the National Offender

Management Service, and we will absolutely keep all the issues at

Wormwood Scrubs under review. As I have said to her we are continuing

to spend more money on prison officers to recruit up to the

benchmark, we will carry on recruiting at the rate we have been

for the last few years. I have shared the concern of many

Honourable members about the situation involving prisoners with

mental health issues and the risks they pose to themselves and others

and are faced by them by prisons and the affect staffing cuts are having

on that. I have been contact about a constituent of mine who has in due

order lengthy bureaucratic process about transfer to a mental health

unit. I am sorry to say his family had called this month telling them

he had killed himself, only to be told half an hour later that he

hadn't. That is an extraordinary situation and I would like to see

the Minister Investec get in that fully and looking very closely at

the cases being made for him to be transferred away from HMP Birmingham

where he is currently being held. I would like to apologise to the

family through the Honourable Gentleman for being given terrible

news like that which clearly wasn't true, and if you would like to write

to me again or come and see me about that issue I would be more than

happy to further discuss it. I am grateful to the Minister and

colleagues. Statement, the Secretary of State for Education. Secretary

Nicky Morgan. Mr Speaker, with permission I would like to make a

statement on all schools becoming academies. In our March White Paper,

educational excellence everywhere, I set out this Government's vision to

continue the rise of educational standards throughout this

Parliament. We are committed to building on the reforms of the last

six years which have led to one point for me in more children being

taught in good and outstanding schools, but we are not content to

stop there. One comment formally and is a start but not enough. -- 1.4

million. We need to deliver a great education to every child, it is what

we owe the next generation to give them the tools to realise every

ounce of their potential. The White Paper was called educational

excellence everywhere for a reason. For me the everywhere is

non-negotiable. In the White Paper for example we set out plans for

achieving excellence areas, where we will focus on in French to areas of

underperformance. It outlines how we want the teaching profession or to

take responsible for teacher accreditation and set high

expectations for every child with a world leading knowledge-based

curriculum. The truly school led self improving system learning from

the best across the world and preparing the next-generation to

compete on the global stage. The fully academisation has attracted

most attention. Over the last few weeks I have spoken to many people

on both sides of the House as well as school leaders, representatives

and parents. It is clear though that the strength and importance of

academies is widely recognised. There is recognition of greater

responsibility for the school system in the hands of school leaders. But

let me be clear, we firmly believe schools becoming more autonomous and

directly accountable for their results raises standards. Academies

are the vehicle which allow schools to innovate with the credit can, set

pay and conditions of staff and bring about greater collaboration

with other schools. We still want every school to become an academy by

2022. But we always intended this to be a six-year process in which good

schools could take their own decisions about their future as

academies. But we understand the concerns raised about a hard

deadline and legislating for a blanket power to continue academy

orders. That is why I announced on Friday we decided it is not

necessary to take blanket powers to convert good schools to academies

that this time. In March, a record high of 227 schools chose to apply

for academy status, showing clearly wet momentum lies as school leaders,

parents, governors and teachers across the country embraced the

benefits that being an academy brings. Since then we have issued

more than 104 Academy Award is to underperforming schools, meaning the

airwaves this weekend to crow about a victory will find themselves

sorely disappointed. There will be no retreat from our mission to give

every child the best start in life and build an education system led by

school leaders and teachers on the front line, running their own

schools as academies. The education adoption Act 2016 already enables us

to rapidly converts failing schools and those coasting where they can

benefit from a strong sponsor. Now it is easier to respond strictly and

professionally to underperforming schools, and they will not be

allowed to languish unchallenged for years. As I said in the White Paper

and have subsequently argued. The most pressing need is to boost

standards for those in the worst local authorities and to provide for

schools in local authority is likely to become unviable. So instead of a

blanket power to convert all schools we will seek powers in two specific

circumstances where it is clear that the case for conversion is pressing.

In the worst performing local authorities we need more decisive

action so a new system led by outstanding schools can take their

place. Similarly because of the pace of ademisation in some areas it will

becoming creasing wee difficult for local authorities to have the

ability to offer schools necessary support, and there will be a need to

ensure the schools are not dependent on an unviable local authority. We

will seek provisions to convert schools in the lowest performing

local authorities to academy status. This may involve conversion of good

and outstanding schools in some circumstances when they have not

chosen it, but the need for action in these limited circumstances is

clear because of the considerable risk to the standard of education

young people in those schools receive as a local authority is

unable to guarantee continued success or improvement. We will

consult on these engraved -- arrangements including the

threshold, and I make it clear that the definition of thresholds will be

the subject of an affirmative resolution in this House. I would

like to assure Honourable members on the concern about how we protect

small schools especially in all areas. I have already made it clear

that no small rural schools will close as a result of more schools

becoming academies. There is already a statuary presumption against rural

school closures but we will go further. Where small rural schools

are converting to academy status we will ensure their protection. Both

local and national Government will have to agree before a change can be

made. There will also be support to help rural primary schools through

conversion and a fund to ensure expert support and advice. Why will

want every school to become an academy we will not compel

successful schools to join multi-academy trusts. We expect most

schools will form local clusters of trusts, but if the leadership of the

successful school does not wish to enter a relationship with other

schools we trust them to make the decision and will not force them to

do so. Small schools will be able to convert to stand-alone academies. I

began by saying our goal has not changed. This Government will

continue to prioritise the interest of young people getting the best

start in life with an excellent education over the vested interest

of those who seek to oppose the lifting of standards and the rooting

out of educational underperformance. Those same vested interests who

allowed schools to languish for years unchallenged and unchanged

until the academies programme by the last Labour Government. Our work to

improve will continue apace. We will empower school leaders and raise

standards and hold high expectations for every child. We will establish a

fair national funding formula for schools so young people everywhere

get the funding they deserve and continue to work towards a system

where all schools are run and led by the people that know them best in

the way that works for their pupils as academies. These reforms will

transform the education system and ensure that we give every child and

excellent education so they have the opportunity to fulfil their

potential. I commend this statement to the House. Me I thank the

Secretary of State for advance notice of the statement. It is good

to see that despite her best efforts this U-turn is getting be airing it

deserves today. What she announced on Friday was a significant and

welcome climb-down. However she wants to dress it up, dropping her

desire to force all schools to become academies by her arbitrary

deadline of 2022 is a key concession. School leaders should

take it as a very clear signal that the foot is off their throat, and

they shouldn't feel they need to jump before being pushed. In

achieving this welcome move can I thank the very broad Alliance who

joined us in making the arguments? That headteachers who made their

collective voice clear last weekend, parents, governors, teachers, local

Government leaders and Honourable members from across the House who

have made very thoughtful and important interventions in recent

weeks. I would have thought given the scale and breadth of the

opposition to her plans and the huge sense of panic and upheaval they

have cause to school leaders, she might have shown a little more

humility in her statement today. If I were her, I would at least

apologise. But I have to say, Mr Speaker, after her statement today,

we are left more confused about what her policy actually is. She says her

aim remains the same but without the means. Although the Secretary of

State has conceded on the politically daft idea of forcing

good on outstanding schools to become academies against their

wishes, she still holds the ambition that all schools will become

academies, but yet again, today, she has failed to make a single decent

argument as to why this ambition is desirable in the first place.

Perhaps this is because despite her claims to be in listening mode, the

Secretary of State has her fingers in her ears, out of touch with head,

parents and teachers. And she has failed to address the serious

concerns raised. Where his evidence that ademisation is the panacea for

school improvement? Where is the choice or autonomy or innovation in

a one size fits all approach? Is there sufficient capacity and

accountability in the academy system to ensure best practice, not poor

practice, is being spread? These questions remain as she seeks

further powers to speed up the pace of ademisation. On school

improvement, she must now take stock of the evidence. The education

select committee recommended she did that. Sir Michael Wilshaw found

serious concerns in many chains. Research by the Sutton trust found a

mixed picture in performance by academy chains and there is no

evidence that academisation in and of itself leads to school

improvement. Indeed, an analysis published today by the PWC shows..

Members might want to listen to this... Shows that only three of the

biggest academy chains get a positive value added rating, and

this I think is quite startling statistic, just one of the 26th

biggest primary sponsors achieves above the national average. While

there is much excellence, she must not continue making dubious

arguments about cause and effect without the evidence. Concerns of a

one size fits all policy as expressed by Councillor Paul Carter,

still apply. As do those... As Lord Kenneth Baker raised, there are

issues in the pressures to take on new academies. She failed to want

the key questions of parents and their right to remain on governing

bodies of academies. But perhaps the biggest concern we all have is about

her direction and her fixation with structures, not standards. Whilst

chaos reigns all around her, and while heads are dealing with what

they described as very challenging times, she wants to put all the

energies of her department into more structural change for which there is

little evidence, insufficient capacity and inadequate

accountability. Wouldn't she be better advised sorting out the utter

chaos besetting primary assessment or ensuring the massively behind

schedule new GCSEs are delivered well and on time, or how about

dealing with the chronic shortage of teachers she has caused or getting a

proper strategy for local place planning, or instead of simply doing

the Chancellor's bidding, hats she could fight was on school budgets

which are facing real terms cuts that the first time 20 years.

change are a better destruction and at worst, will damage standards. --

run to best a distraction. Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I see the

Shadow Education Secretary was as constructive and positive as always.

Let me deal with some of the issues that she raised. She asked about the

support for academies and she will know if she's read the evidence I

gave to the recent hearing of the education Select Committee that we

went there in great detail, I'm sure also seen a long letter I sent to

the end duty about the international evidence. But let me just 82-macro

statistics. Primary sponsored academies are making substantial

gains. Pupils are achieving well and those academies in one academia have

seen results improved by five percentage points. She asked about

the views of the chief inspector. Well, I'm sure if she had... Too

much noise. Both sides and every member must be heard. Thank you, Mr

Speaker. It's extraordinary how people don't want to hear any

arguments against them... Will so Michael Wilshaw, she will have seen

a letter from Ofsted in which he said I fully support the

Government's ambition to great a more diverse and autonomous school

system as I said my latest annual report, academisation can meet rapid

improvement and I firmly believe there is the right him autonomously

front-line. She mentions the education Select Committee reports

from 2040, published last year, which said academy sponsorship has

encouraged others on a day-to-day contributor of individuals not

previously involved in education laid I challenged and maintained

schools to improve or face replacement by the insurgent academy

model. Mr Speaker, it is extraordinary it took until the

final centres for her to talk about standards. As usual, there is no

mention of pupils, standards, or aspiration. The honourable lady has

a nine months... I've set hours out clearly in this white paper and she

needs to now do the same if she has any hope of office. Mr Speaker, we

know what they's Labour Party is all about, it is about taking sides.

That's when they told us in the local elections and today, they have

picked their side. They picked up the side of vested interest in the

status quo, the side of no change, of those who want to push back the

tide of progress and return to Labour's bad old days. Well, I say

no. These side of higher standards and aspirations, of progress and

reform. The side of educational excellence for all.

The chief inspector has been cited already this afternoon. I draw the

holes's attention to his report of 2013, the long tail of

underachievement, where he cited the big problem of having too many

primary schools coasting and not delivering adequate teaching in

maths and English and other subjects. Many of those schools are

a local authority areas which could improve generally. So it's

absolutely right to focus on those local authorities and make sure we

do deliver for all young children, most of who we do not go to

academies and primary school, because there are not enough primary

schools in that category. So therefore I welcome this data meant

to focus on the school that really matter and above all, the local

authorities. Can by the chairman of the education Select Committee and

it was a pleasure to visit his school in Stroud, I know he is

committed to the lifting of educational standards for young

people. It it not telling, that rather than working with the

committee, the honourable lady just tried to shout him down. Many school

communities will also welcome today's announcement. Whilst I like

many teachers across these isles would love to think that the

Government doesn't listen to teachers, the reality seems to be

that this embarrassing U-turn on a centrepiece of Budget announcement

has been brought about by a handful of the Government's backbenchers.

Those who have the greatest impact on the success of a school teachers

and a first-rate headteacher can turn the school around regardless of

whether or not it is an academy. But there's no doubt that this grand

plan has caused great anxiety and teachers who are already struggling

with severe workload issues have had an additional burden placed upon

them by the academisation plan. The Secretary of State says academies

allow schools the freedom to innovate with the curriculum. Order,

order! Mr Austin, you are as noisy now as you were the debating chamber

of the University Essex students union, when you noisily and

belligerently and is courteously heckled a mere 30 years ago!

Order! Let me just say, the honourable lady must be heard with

courtesy and all members must be heard. But can I just gently say to

the honourable lady, her chance of getting a courteous hearing will be

increased if rather than making a statement she asks a question. The

ability of schools to set their own scales and there is concern about

the long-term impact of academies will mean a higher salaries and

better terms and conditions and some -- in some better funded academies.

What consideration has she given... I am glad I use the House. What

consideration has she given to teacher recruitment in areas in

terms of to attract the teachers they need to raise attainment? We in

the SNP are firmly committed to a national bargaining in public

sector. How will the Secretary of State ensure that by abandoning

nationally agreed pays scales -- pay scales this will not affect

recruitment and retention in more challenging schools? Can I thank the

honourable lady for that long question. And let me just say that I

agree with the most important thing we can do in our classrooms is to

make sure the quality of teaching is at its absolute highest and that is

why we have more teachers in our schools and we have ever had before.

Let me also say in terms of recruitment, I suggest that she will

see a lot of the answers to her questions are in the white paper.

The introduction to achieving excellent areas covered in

traditional national teaching service could be setting up of

career provision for teachers got the supported for a college of

teaching. Let me also say to her that it has to be working now that

in Scotland there are now fewer features than there were when the

SNP came to power and a bigger gap between the Advantest and the

disadvantaged. And me also say that with the election of Ruth Davidson,

her party needs to be held to account. I would point other members

who came into the chamber after the urgent questions started and there

were quite a number of them, should not expect to be called. Should not

expect to be called in pursuit of a question with? At the end of it. I

turned of course to Sir Alan Duncan. I have to say, it is a matter of

regret at all in such an important issue, the shadow Secretary of State

did rather let herself down this afternoon. Those of us concerned

with this issue have expressed concerns about compulsion of course,

but also about planning for school places, transport across changing

catchment areas and what happens when there is a failing school with

no suitable academy to take it over. Can I just say I think the House is

grateful to the Secretary of State for having listened and we would now

urge her to look at these which might be described as the final

pieces in the academisation jigsaw we very much appreciate the tone and

the construction of a statement this afternoon. Can I thank my neighbour

am I right honourable friend very much indeed for his statement. He

raises some very important issues which we have addressed in the white

paper in the sense that they highlighted the difficult issues

around pays planning but also transport and we need to with local

authorities, the local Government Association and others to ensure we

get it right. But I do think it has to be that if schools are autonomous

we must give that just to the front line in dealing with difficult

issues. What hope is there for local Government or community involvement

in new multi-Academy trusts? I thank the right honourable gentleman and

the answer is, a lot. We set out in the white paper plans for those from

local authorities to many who are spinning out their services as well

setting up multi-Academy trusts. There are limits on the ownership

and a lot of local authorities are exploring options whereby they set

up a trust, but they had the schools within that trust also be of the

trust. That is a really stronger model and builds on the great

collaboration we are already seeing in our education system. ... The

constructive approach she has taken throughout this debate. And

particularly welcome her recognition that stand-alone academies or small

multi-Academy trusts can bring the benefits of autonomy whilst also

keeping schools in touch with the communities they serve. Well, can I

thank my right honourable friend for the conversations we have had, I

know he absolutely committed to high educational standards and is it's

truly fortunate to represent a very high performing local authority and

he and I are both -- but for the same opportunities for all children

in the country. The Secretary of State might know that in the early

days of the ideas of academies I had some help from the Government in

terms of refining the method. It was a good method, where schools were

failing, we used academies to ensure that quickly we ended it. This

present method she is extolling is a perversion of the academy model that

we introduced. And I say this in anger, that the model of education

she is giving this country is one doomed to fail. The model of

education is given a 1.4 million children the opportunity to be in

good and outstanding schools, we want to go further. Thank you, Mr

Speaker. May I urge the Secretary of State to stick to her guns. There is

evidence that other social mobility index which sadly shows that my

constituency has some of the poorest opportunities for the poorest

children. Can I urge you to stick to her guns and ensure her focus is on

standards for those who need it most. She is absolutely right to say

this is about standards for all. I standards for all, but particularly

for those for whom education is a great life transformer. And if we

don't get this right, we are losing out as a country other children are

losing out. She and I have discussed the opportunity for her local area

to set to be achieving excellent pilots and I look forward to

discussing that again. Some colleagues have a quaint idea about

timekeeping. There's one honourable member who was six minutes later

still will not take my hint. I do not wish to embarrass him, but he

should not be standing! Pretty straightforward!

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I believe the Secretary of State is not sticking

so guns. I welcome her change of heart, the U-turn she has announced.

Will she also consider another ill-advised proposal in the white

paper, the abolition of requirements for school star parents covered us?

Will she reconsider that as well? We discussed this when I gave evidence

to the education Select Committee. We've been clear that there is a

role for parents governors, we expect trustable star parents

governors and also think it is not the only way for parents to be

involved. A much better, more meaningful engagement can be

achieved. Following on from that, I thank my

Right Honourable Friend for not listening about compelling academy

eyes say Sinn but because parent governors are so vital to the

excellence of schools, how will she ensure parental input is continued,

because that is part of excellence. Can I thank my Honourable Friend. We

are making it an expectation that parents will be heavily involved,

not just through being governors but also through things like the

Honourable Member said recently, parent councils. She is right saying

parent governors make a huge contribution. I know because I am

married to one. I feel rather embarrassed for the Minister as they

tried to sneak through this U-turn during one of the most racist

campaigns we have ever seen in the capital. Toby Young admitted he had

been arrogant and regretted criticising teachers, state schools

and local education authorities. Will the Minister Act knowledge that

the teachers, the Labour Party, the students and the parents, were right

and she was wrong? I think the Honourable Lady rather let herself

down by that patronising question, if I might say. I would be very

clear, all the way along since the first day of my appointment, but the

most important people in our sister mother teachers, quality teachers

are the single most important thing that helps young people make

standards. The truth is that if any Government minister puts proposals

forward we are likely to have comments but that doesn't mean we

shouldn't put proposals forward. That is not the person I am. When I

said last week I would not leave the job half done, I will not leave the

job half done. Can I welcome the Secretary of State's comments on

support for small rural schools but also welcome her comments and

commitment to funding review. Does she agree with me that funding

review gives us the opportunity to address the deep unfairness in the

funding system that has left schools in places like or more underfunded

too long? We absolutely remain committed to having had national

funding formula review. It cannot be right to have 152 different formulas

operating across the country and I talked about a strong consistent

educational system across the country, which must mean a strong,

consistent funding system. Can the Minister satisfy why she objects to

the line put across in the Times today by PricewaterhouseCoopers,

presumably a vested interest, to argue that it had my age and is

neither a necessary nor sufficient condition? -- Cadamuro station.

Plenty of evidence can be cited in favour. I have pointed to evidence I

have already talked about which shows the benefits of autonomy our

school system. I pay tribute to the Secretary of State for listening to

backbenchers. I have been a vocal critic but found her willingness to

engage on this issue refreshing. Can she confirmed that she will continue

to engage with parents and teachers as she pursues our vision to improve

education that every child of all backgrounds? He has raised some

important points. It has been a pleasure to talk to him and all

colleagues on all sides of the House. I look forward to continuing

that conversation. I am proud to represent a town with some of the

country, and my concern about the Secretary of State's announcement is

it doesn't answer the question schools of all kinds, academies and

local authority schools, and parents, ask me. What parents say

is, how can we guarantee that there is a school place for my child

nearby, and what schools say to me is, how can I guarantee there is a

good quality teacher in front of every class. Both of those problems,

we haven't heard a solution to. What does she offer? She needs to read

the white paper, but let me point out that we have the highest number

of teachers ever in the profession and have created 600,000 more places

since 2010, when her party was in power, they took out of the system

200,000 places at the time of the baby boom. Can I join colleagues in

congratulating the Secretary of State. Congratulating her on her

statement on the way she has engaged with colleagues from across the

House. The select committee described a healthy tension between

local authority schools and work hadn't -- academy schools which

helped contribute to 1.4 million fewer children being at week

schools. But she agree that if local authorities do manage to deliver

outstanding schools and excellent intervention that they can continue?

Can I thank my Honourable Friend for the conversations we have had. Yes

of course, this is all about the lifting of standards, ensuring no

child is in a school that is failing or underperforming, and of course,

if a child is in a good school being supported by a strong local

authority, frankly I want them to get on with doing that. The Chief

inspector said he would look forward to a more diverse system, but under

the vision the Secretary of State has put out, how will changing all

schools to the same system be more diverse? And by killing off the

alternatives in terms of our local education authorities being denied

of funds to provide the sort of services which have improved schools

in burrows like my own, how will that facilitate improvement? And the

last thing, what will happen to schools which are languishing in

poor, failing Academy trusts? I think there were three questions

that one question but I will give the Member of the education select

committee the benefit of the doubt. Firstly, his last question, we take

swift action in the case of academies that are failing.

Commissioners have already brokered over 100 schools and issued 94

warning notices. His question shows a worrying lack of understanding

about what it is that we are doing, because there has been a one size

fits all system, which was local education authority control. We are

now there will be freedom for schools to decide the right future

for them. That could be continuing in a stronger growth 30 but it could

turn into a stand alone Academy, a small cluster, a bigger trust, a

diocesan trust, they are free to make the decision right for them and

their pupils. Can I also welcome the secretary of state's readiness to

listen to colleagues, but an Ofsted report earlier this year on standard

of provision by the local authority in Portsmouth is damning with

generations of children being let down. The Conservative led

administration and City Council has made important changes and a new

director is making a difference but that she agree that she must have

the powers to intervene where local authorities are failing? Can I thank

my Honourable Friend. She is right, we cannot stand back where local

authorities are not providing sufficiently strong improvement. She

is right to talk about generations who have been failed. It would be

irresponsible for us as the Government for that to continue on

our watch. Can I say to the Secretary of State that members on

this site are absolutely committed to high standards, and she doesn't

aid this debate by turning it into an unnecessarily partisan attack on

this side of the House. The title of her white paper is educational

excellence everywhere. Does she really believe that a one size fits

all is best for education everywhere? Isn't it time to follow

the example of other parts of the Government and look at devolution so

more of these decisions are made at a city, regional, county level, and

fewer in her department? . Can I say that the second half of the question

was more constructive to the -- than the first. We have had a one size

fits all system called local education authorities. We now have a

system where schools and decide on their future, all working with have

diocese. I am delighted he is on our side for raising standards and I

hope you can speak to members on his side. I thank the Secretary of State

on her statement, and listening to colleagues on the issue of

academies. The purpose of the White Paper is to listen and debate. But I

wonder if she shares my disquiet in the approach language a proto- --

adopted by some teaching unions which rails against all academies

despite the fact that in the evidence that in the main they work?

I remember visiting the excellent Academy in his constituency which

was full of innovation, bigger and creativity and underside of the

pupils. Yes I am concerned that some people so want to talk about

structures that they have missed the rest of the White Paper and abetting

it says about teaching, leadership, standards, curriculum and funding.

Just two weeks ago at Prime Minister's Questions, the Prime

Minister confidently declared that forced academisation would be in the

Queen's speech, yet today we have this U-turn. Why has it taken the

Government so long to listen to education professionals, teachers,

parents, the Labour Party and even their own backbenchers? What the

Prime Minister talked about was academies for all and education for

all which is what we are going to see. The Shadow Secretary of State

said there is no evidence that academies nation in and of itself

improves performance, but does the Secretary of State think the

increased autonomy and accountability that is inherent in

the structure of academies does improve performance as set out not

only in the report she mentioned but also the McKinsey report of 2010? I

entirely agree with her. We are very clear that just the name of Academy

doesn't improve standards but academies are the vehicle by which

those working in them have the ability to innovate with the

curriculum, set flexibility for pay and conditions, to collaborate more

freely with other schools, which is what we are seeing academies doing,

which is why we are seeing standards rising stock blue. What the figures

actually show is that we are going down the international league tables

standards rise amongst our committed as more quickly than here in the UK

# amongst our competitors. It is a tragedy that she spends so much time

on this partisan bickering and a dogmatic accession with structures.

The best and quickest way to improve standards in our schools is to focus

on leadership, which is what she should be addressing all her

attention to, so will she take the ?1 billion she was going to spend on

forcing every school to become an Academy and use it to recruiting new

generation of head teachers? Can I suggest that he reread chapter three

of the White Paper in titled great leaders running our schools at the

heart of our system. We have already set aside money for training head

and supporting their great leadership. Our rankings in the

international league tables, you might like to think that between

2000-2009 England's 15-year-olds fell from 7-25th in Reading, fell in

maths and science. If he thinks underperformance when his party was

in power was good enough he has another think coming. There is

nothing ignoble about a Secretary of State coming to the House to make

changes based on legitimate concerns raised by colleagues including my

local education authority, Conservative controlled Peterborough

City Council. In the new dispensation will she bearing mind

two issues, one is the statutory roles of the LE a in terms of school

place planning and special education needs, and will issue also bear in

mind that there are remaining capacity issues for Academy chains

to deal with the serious problems of failing schools, some of which are

in my own constituency? Can I thank my Honourable Friend for his point

and may I congratulate him and his councillors on taking control of

Peterborough Council, which was a fantastic result. He raises two

important points, and of course we will continue to work with members

and local authorities on issues around place planning but also

building capacity. In the White Paper we talk about the money we

have set aside and the ability to grow strongly much -- strong multi

Academy trust sponsors including existing outstanding schools which

can often be the most effective sponsors. If the Secretary of State

is serious about the concept of excellence everywhere, she needs to

deal with the real challenge that is caused by the pressure put on

schools to take those students most likely to help with league tables at

the expense of those students perceived to be less likely to help

with league tables. In doing that she should listen to the principal

of the Passmore Academy, which have made this point, that if something

isn't done about this pressure, then we will see the introduction of very

much a two tier education system to the detriment of many thousands of

children who will never recover throughout their lives from the

damage being done to them. I have met Vic Gothard and visited

his school and seen how committed and dedicated and head teacher he

is. The first and to his question is that the code is extremely clear

that schools cannot screen out or not take on certain pupils. If there

is evidence of that, it needs to be reported. Second point, as I'm sure

you know as the former member of the general Select Committee is progress

towards the selector measure. Where we move away from borderline

children to the progress that all children make to the cause of their

schooling and schools like that will be particularly good and make sure

that happens as well. As a former teacher, I welcome my right

fran-macro's for compulsory academisation. The she realises

vital engage with the... As a former teacher, it can I encourage you to

be redheaded by the low-level disruption she faces in front of

her. Can I thank him very much indeed and he I'm sure is an expert

are dealing with low-level disruption. Can I say in all

seriousness that engaging teachers is something I take very seriously

and enjoy doing. One of the best things I do is to get out of

Westminster and visit schools and take part in the chicha direct

sessions I arrange. -- teacher directs. This editor Israel state

taught by many, Seychelles she had in recent weeks that cannot convince

to that ranking powers of forced academisation are not necessarily

any more. In order to avoid a period of uncertainty for school and

communities wouldn't it be met at those conversations before

announcing such a flawed policy? I have lots of conversations all of

the time. But I was been asked before the publication of the white

paper was for a statement about where we were going about whether we

want to schools to become academies and that is what the white paper

offers. I too would like to thank the Minister for her statement

today. But also for listening to not just backbenchers and members across

the chamber, but to teachers as well and I do sense they have concerns

and there is a willingness to work with us as well. Would she assure me

she will continue in all of this to keep her focus on raising standards

and aspirations which are really at the heart of this? Well, it can I

thank my honourable friend and she is right to say hi aspirations on

raising standards must be at the heart of our education policy,

because education as to be about the greatest investor that we can make

in the future of our country and about making sure our young people

fulfil their potential and are set up for the world of work and we will

keep that the focus of all of our reforms. Although welcomed, many

parents and teachers in Michael Stich were to feel the Secretary of

State's announcement was merely a tactical retreat with the Government

still committed to the same end as by other means. With those concerns

in mind, with the minister be able to provide me with more details

about what point the local authority will be judged on a viable or how

the minimum performance threshold will be defined.? If he was

listening to my statement, I said we'd be consulting on diners

measures would be subject to an affirmative resolution in this

House. At all stages since the publication of the white paper our

goal has been about raising standards for children and that has

not changed. I'd like to thank my right honourable friend for engaging

so constructively in this issue and the statement will be most welcome

in Somerset today. I've visited number of good and outstanding local

authority controlled schools in my constituency who see the attraction

of academisation but nervous about the transition. When this occurs set

out our dirty bomber were well above the school and the local authority

to facilitate the transition at a time of the school's choosing? Can I

thank right honourable friend and I absolutely understand the worry

about the unknown what they are coming Academy needs and how much

time it will take. Why we set out to have a specific fund to support

small schools make sure that each school when they want to convert

gets its own advisable star but I was strongly urged -- I would

strongly urge him to speak to his regional schools commissioner

because he has a position in the local community in terms of working

with schools that want to convert and if there are problems can make

it directly with me with me with the school's Minister. The Secretary of

State is sending out mixed messages. She just declared if I had correctly

that we will still see academies for all. So will she I accept that this

whole episode has caused trilanders stress and anxiety to headteachers

and the staff up and down the country who are now considering

converting to academies that is not to raise their standards but simply

to avoid being pushed. Will she give reassurance to those headteachers

that that is not what they should be focused on accommodation not be

focused on their structures, but they can focus on the standards.

Well, I couldn't have been more clear in my answers and in the

original statement that we want all schools to be focused on the raising

of standards. But I'm also clear about the benefits of schools

becoming academies, about trusting the front line to run at their

schools, to be accountable for the results that they achieved. That's

why we are also clear that we want all schools to be, academies, but at

the time of their choosing and way of choosing. Unless of course they

are underperforming and the local authority is no longer viable,

because of the numbers of schools that have converted. I've recently

met with school leaders and leaders from Hampshire County Council and

they were keen to hear the direction of travel permit a Qatari state and

I do welcome the listening exercise that colleagues and I have had. We'd

be going to the process of truly understanding our commitment and

promised in our manifesto of the importance of lifting the standards

for our schools and by this statement today, it shows the focus

on our children and helping them all to achieve. Can I ask the Secretary

of State to fill in the gaps in terms of the voices parents and

links to the community during this white paper listening exercise?

Well, can I thank my honourable friend and pay tribute to the work

she has done locally in terms of bringing schools together, talking

to parents and others in her constituency and I think it is

incumbent on us all to continue to do that as constituency members of

parliament, but also encourage people to go and visit other schools

that have converted, because that is the best way of understanding the

process, how it works and the best issue to take and it applies to

parents, governors, teachers and headteachers. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

It feels very confused, we have a Government that seems habits give

greater Manchester council's for health devolution, ?8 billion a

year, but does not have the same address to give up control of their

schools. Can we explain the difference? Becoming an academies

all about the ultimate devolution, devolution to the front line of

their heads, and governors. Can I warmly welcome at my right

honourable friend's flexibility on this matter. Secondary schools in

Gloucestershire were one of the first to warmly embrace academies.

But does leave small rural schools. There seems to be a communication

gap with them. How can her department and all of us communicate

with the parents, governors and teachers in the small secondary

schools on the benefits of academies? In my statement I set out

some of those specific policies and we will bring close together into a

package that honourable members are able to circulate in terms of

information to relevant schools. I'd also encourage him to do as others

have, which is a co-ordinated meetings of heads or chairs of

governors but also involving the regional schools commissioners who

will hold events to talk about the coming and Academy and the

sponsorship opportunities available if that is what the school -- small

school wants. I'm sure that the many good and outstanding schools in my

constituency that are not academies will welcome at this statement

today. However, I'm concerned that this figure just a 's or dogmatic

ambitions remain the same, that she so intends to force every school

into academisation -- academisation, by hook or crook. She was quoted a

few weeks ago are saying we are going to finish this job, but she's

still stand by that will she finally recognise the right of good and

outstanding local schools to determine their own destiny and if

they decide not to become an academy, that rights will be

respected? They still don't necessarily do so what I been

saying, because I thought about finishing the job of lifting

standards for young people in this country. Can I commend my right

honourable friend for her measured and thoughtful statement today which

I believe will address the legitimate concerns of many

excellent but small rural schools in my constituency. And she agree that

in education, indeed across all Government, we must never let the

outstanding become the enemy of the good? My -- he and I both know we

are fortunate to have many great schools. We also know that not all

young people have that opportunity to attend a good or outstanding

school. Whether it is in the Midlands or elsewhere. That is why

we can not let up on the need to pursue reforms that left educational

standards. In one of the most affluent constituencies in this

country, I could only find six schools ranked as outstanding. This

has been as a result of successive cosy relationships under different

administrations with the LEA. What will she do it ensure that situation

is improved? He raises a really important issue, that a number of

people will tell me that they are good, good local authorities, good

schools, but when you compare it with other local authorities,

whether similar ones all schools in the most disadvantaged areas doing

fantastic things for their pupils, and that is why we introduced the

education act 2060 which tackles coasting schools. Those schools are

OK, but they could be a lot better and that is what we intend to do,

help them to achieve. I do also welcome the Secretary of State's

strength in a statement today. And for Michael Stich and see in a

Medway as a whole, secondary schools and a large proportion of primaries

are already academies, some of which have become Compal to become

academies and it is true that it is home-grown academies that have

played a massive role in the driving of standards up within our authority

which has, historically, been an underperforming authority. In my

time, I saw adults being put before that at the outcomes of young people

in the schools in which they were charged with looking after. I would

like to offer the Secretary of State can she confirmed that she is

committed to tackling underperformance wherever it is? I

think by the sheer strength and passion of her question, she shows

just how committed she is to this agenda. I remember discussing it

with her on the campaign trail when she was seeking election to this

House. I can assure her absolutely that there will be no letup reverse

gear in terms of lifting standards for young people in the UK. Can I

thank the Secretary of State for her unswerving determination to drive up

standards in our schools and their willingness to listen to suggestions

for how the white paper mine to be strengthened. The she agree that

Robin Field at uni school -- junior school provides a powerful example

of the great benefits for pupils and teachers that can come from a

multi-Academy trust, but the good and outstanding schools in

Cheltenham should be just to judge for themselves if that structure

suits them? Like him, I enjoyed my visit to that school and those to

fantastic co-headteachers, if I could clone of them are, they were

utterly inspirational. He is right as anyone schools to be able to

choose the right format for them, but we have to be realistic. If they

are in an underperforming local authority and if it is not viable,

that will help them get even better. -- not help them. That the Secretary

of State for taking the time to listen and full strength in this

already fantastic white paper and for providing a source of debate. To

that end, could I ask the Secretary of State to consider the obstacles

on the local clusters forming a multi-Academy trusts by the many

school that I have in my constituency? He raises a really

important question about small schools, usually primary schools,

deciding whether or not to join the Academy trust if one is being set up

thinking about the other options. On the 18th of April we publish the to

new memorandums and understanding with the Church of England and the

Catholic church which do provide more flexibility and I hope that

will be of use to him in his discussions. I would like to Valley

secretary of States for listening so constructively to members on the

side of the House on this issue. As I told her face to face, I have good

schools, good local authority schools angered academies and even a

good co-operative trusted my home village. Would she continue to put

parents and governing bodies at the forefront of determining the future

of our wonderful local schools? We had a very good conversation, he

is right, he is passionate as an MP championing high educational

standards in his constituency. He is right to say the voices of parents,

governors, teachers, head teachers and pupils themselves need to be

listened to, which is why it is incumbent that we ensure the options

are out there, then schools can make the right decisions at a and

outstanding. -- if they are good and outstanding. The majority of schools

in Torbay have converted to academies and some are making great

progress. That brings up the issue of the viability of the Torbay local

education authority. I was interested to hear her comments.

Would she confirm whether the threshold would be based on pupil

numbers or percentage of schools or will this be subject to later

consultation? That is a good question and something we want to

continue discussing in the course of taking measures through this House

but also with local authorities. The important thing is the ability for

local education authorities to have resources and experience and

personnel to offer good school improvement. In my experience most

local authorities will be able to judge when they are struggling with

that. We know at least one has asked us to issue Academy orders for their

remaining schools. Can I welcome the statement and her willingness to

engage on what is, let's run number, White Paper of discussion. I was a

meeting at Hampton county council with the leader of the schools

league and the first half of the meeting didn't go as well as the

second after they heard her announcement. I pass on their

thanks. My hope is this compromise will allow us to get on in

successful areas, 94% of schools in my area are good or outstanding, and

allowed to focus on areas with the children don't enjoy the chances

they have in my constituency, do I have that right? The timing of the

announcement on Friday wasn't timed for his meeting with Hampshire but

he made it clear when he was meeting members of the local authority, and

he is right to say that in the White Paper and discussions it has become

very clear that we know there are some parts of the country where

children get a great education, but that is not everywhere, and I

couldn't say more strongly how I feel that that educational

excellence should be shared by all children in this country. Can I say

how much I welcome the statement. I had concerns about compulsory

Academy isolation but she has taken the time to listen to colleagues --

compulsory academisation. On the point about the ?10 million fund

which I welcome for small rural schools needing support in

conversion, can she confirm when it will be available and the case of

schools looking to form a group whether it will go to the lead

school or all of them? We still need to work out the details but the fund

will be available sooner rather than later because we know they're

already small schools thinking about their future, and it will be for

things like legal costs. I think it is important that it supports all

schools because all of them would need that support, not just the lead

school. I don't share the rose tinted view of some about local

education authorities. Mine in Nottinghamshire has failed

consistently. At times political parties and LEAs in my constituency

have been complacent and ineffective. The most important

thing to me is the willingness to intervene when schools are failing,

and that has been neglected for too long. Would she in her advice and

guidance to her regional schools commissioners redoubled their

commitment to intervene so no child's education is written off

like generations in my town of Newark? Can I pay tribute to his

commitment as a local MP to driving up educational standards in his

constituency. He is right to say we know there are local authorities, he

has mentioned his own, across the country where there have never

issued a warning notice all appointed an interim executive board

to run the school. The commissioners know because they are an excellent

team that they need to intervene swiftly when there is educational

failure. With was seen that in the sending out of financial and

educational warning notice this is, and that will continue -- we have

seen that in the sending out of notices. As the governor of an

excellent Academy which has done so much to maintain the thoughts of

arts education in Tonbridge I am proud of the work this Government

has done in supporting academies. Can I welcome the Secretary of

State's comments and wonder if she timed this in order for me to thank

the parish council for their intervention last week? Well, I am

delighted to have assisted my Honourable Friend and the parish

council if that is the case. Can I congratulate him on the governorship

of the school and also the arts, I went to a fantastic school in

Northampton, where Shakespeare was embedded in the curriculum from

reception to year six, and it shows what an inspirational head with the

support of Academy trust can do to transform education in their

schools. Could I thank my Right Honourable Friend for listening on

both academies and fair funding. Would she meet me and our Right

Honourable Friend for South Staffordshire to discuss

particularly the situation in Staffordshire where schools are

working hard but suffering tremendously when compared to

neighbouring authorities on the question of funding? Yes, of course,

either I or the schools minister would be delighted to meet him. We

have made a clear commitment which I have to say was not taken up under

13 years of the last Labour Government, to look at fair funding

and transform how that works across the country. It must be right that

the same pupils with the same characteristics must attract the

same funding and we are determined to see that. Order. Point of order,

Mr Carlton. On the 28th of April, the Leader of the House of Lords in

answer to the Member for Brigham Gall attempted to smear the

prospective Labour Party police and crime commission a candidate for

Humberside, Keith Hunter. He did so in reply to question from the Member

where he about column 15 65 in Hansard. We were talking about the

dodgy behaviour of code police and crime commission candidates. May I

say to the leader of the House that a number of folks standing for

election next week are ex-coppers trading on their record as police

officers. Does he agree that the Government should bring forward

proposals to end former police officers standing to be cc make

their police service records available for public scrutiny --

standing for police and crime commission. The leader applied, he

makes an important point, I am of allegations about the candidate in

Humberside. If the story is alleged about the candidate are true, he is

unfit for public office, and it is a matter of public interest that the

truth should be known before election day. I wrote to the leader

of the House requiring him to either explain the deliberately damaging

remarks and the precise basis for them or to formally withdraw them

and apologise for the disgusting attempted smear. Would you please

advise me on what I can do, given that the leader of the House is

ignoring formal correspondence from elected members including formal

correspondence from Her Majesty's opposition and deliberately misusing

this place for divisive and nasty Tory party political campaigning? I

am grateful for the point of order and courtesy in giving me advance

notice of the thrust of it. The short answer is that what he has

said in this place -- what is said in this place by any Member is the

responsibility of that Member, not the chair. Clearly we should all

think carefully before making accusations against individuals. The

Honourable Gentleman has made his point and doubtless it will be

relayed, this exchange will be related, to the leader and the

Honourable Gentleman can seek to secure a written reply from the

Leader of the House if he so wishes, but I cannot involve myself further.

I will leave the Honourable Gentleman to his own devices. Point