This week in Westminster was action packed one.
We had the National Apprenticeship Week, questions in the House of Commons, APPG’s, lots of media appearances and a half-day tour around London as part of the All-Party Parliamentary Group Against Antisemitism.
So we kicked-off in Westminster with a question on defence and I asked how young people from disadvantaged backgrounds can achieve high ranking positions within the military, when public schools sometimes have officer recruitment bases on their grounds.
I had an education team meeting with the rest of the shadow team and later on discussed the state of medical education and research in the UK.
Tuesday started with a few interview with Times Educational Supplement and FE Weekly who are the foremost publications in the UK regarding education. I spoke to them about National Apprenticeship Week and also on why the current apprenticeship levy is failing disadvantaged young people in gaining access to apprenticeships.
I also dropped by to see some off the amazing work some companies and young people are doing with apprenticeships, and even though the levy policy is failing, there is still some great work being done.
So, despite the failings of the Apprentice Levy policy implemented by this government in 2017, there are rays of light within apprenticeships.
We used the ‘Looking Beyond’ phrase to overcome the stigma of old to help people understand that apprenticeships can be a great access to excellent careers.
This was followed by a few APPG on Sixth Form and the APPG on Apprenticeship Fair, finally there was the LBGT History Month reception and a quick hop across to Millbank for an interview with BBC Look North.
Wednesday began with another BBC interview and lots more NAW meetings. But I also managed to speak to the Rail Minister before finishing off the day with the Apprenticeship Award Ceremony.
Thursday saw me heading back to the constituency in the PM but not before a really fascinating tour around London as part of the APPG Against Antisemitism which involved visitng a Jewish day school and speaking to some pupils, a meeting on modern antisemitism and how to combat it, and finally a bit of lunch before the getting the train back to Hull.
Friday, as I am typing, is back to the Surgeries, where I am meeting constituents to discuss local and national issues. A visit to Hull College and finally I am taking my children to the Bonus Arena for the Song for Hull event, which I can’t wait!
Just before I wrap this up, I have a survey I would like you to fill out (if you are a constituent of Hull West & Hessle), the link is here and it will only take a few minutes of your time. It is about our future priorities following our exit from the EU, and how we can rebuild our communities after such a decisive topic. I would very much appreciate you giving me your thoughts.
Anyway, I wish you all a great weekend, thank you for all your support and please do get in touch if you need to speak to me.
