Cara Hunter
East Londonderry · Social Democratic and Labour Party · Northern Ireland
“<BR /> <BR />At Committee, we heard such compelling evidence from young people about why girls should have the choice of wearing trousers in school. Outside of the young people themselves, the conversations that we had with Menstruation Matters, particularly on the dignity piece about young girls and periods, really resonated with me.”
“I am happy to be here. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I fear that I will repeat a number of points that have been made this evening. As a relatively young woman — I am 30 now — I am absolutely baffled that we have to debate this issue. It is truly astonishing. If I did not have notes in front of me, I would have no words to say.”
“That is why it is so important to echo today that, despite the simplicity of this change, it will be so meaningful in protecting young girls and their dignity in a number of ways. We also often hear directly from young women that they simply want to be comfortable.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. Ultimately, the Department of Education and the Minister will tell our young people, "Aspire to be the best that you can be. Get out into the world. You can do and be anything — but you cannot wear trousers". That is lunacy. It is lunacy and hypocrisy of the highest order.”
“<BR /> <BR />I find it extraordinary and depressing that this did not pass previously and that we have had to regroup. As the Chair of the Education Committee rightly said, this could be done at the stroke of a pen. It is nonsensical that we have to do it this way.”
“I thank the Member for his point, but, respectfully, I am not here to talk about other jurisdictions; I am here to talk about the rights of my constituents in East Derry and people right across the North.”
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“<BR /> <BR />Mr Gildernew spoke well in accurately acknowledging the cost-of-living crisis and highlighting the fact that it has put incredible pressure on families and young people who are seeking to build a life for themselves. I am contacted every day by families who are being crushed by the rising rents and bills. Many young people, as Ms Mulholland rightly mentioned, live with their parents. They do not want to rent, because they want to save for a house, but, while they are doing so, they feel that they are missing out on the joys of being 25, 26 or 27. I note that the lack of available housing is an issue north and south of the border, which, no doubt, contributes to a lack of well-being. <BR /> <BR />We are really in the middle of a housing affordability crisis.”
“As someone who is under 30 for the next year, I feel strongly about the young people who are keen to work hard, get on their feet and build a life for themselves and their family but are overlooked. They need increased support. Several of my friends, when they were approaching buying their first home, were heavily reliant on their parents, grandparents and family to gather a deposit, and those are the ones who were lucky enough to have familial support. So many others feel that the dream of owning a home is now dead. Sadly, they would much rather get out of Northern Ireland and save to go to Australia instead of putting roots down and growing their families here. That is the sad reality for so many.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank Members from across the House who have contributed to this important debate. Housing is a shared aim of us all. I recognise that it has been a good opportunity to promote and provoke a discussion on housing in our communities. <BR /> <BR />I will reiterate the experience of many across the North who are seeking to buy their first home. For too long, young people and families have faced unnecessary hurdles when trying to secure a family home. The Government have ignored the crisis that is unfolding in our housing market. So many people whom I meet in my Coleraine constituency office work days and nights — often in two to three jobs — but the rightful dream of owning their own home is so far away.”
“Thank you, deputy First Minister. It is a year since the Executive were restored, and, last week, the High Court in Belfast said that the Executive's lack of an anti-poverty strategy was appalling. Thousands of children across Northern Ireland today are using food banks, deputy First Minister. Are you ashamed that the strategy has not yet been brought forward, and when do you believe it will be?”
“Minister, obviously all schools can apply for minor capital investment. Will you confirm what your Department states is the upper limit for minor capital works?”
“If possible, I would like you to detail in your response what discussions you have had to date about the Riverside Theatre and any solutions that you think are possible. I cannot reiterate enough how passionate people are about the Riverside Theatre. Many young people who aspire to be involved in the arts have reached out to me and spoken about their love for theatre and for the Riverside Theatre itself and about just how much it means to them. It is the first place that so many people fall in love with music, art and dance, and it is so important that we continue to inspire future generations. The best way in which to do that, Minister, is to keep the Riverside Theatre open. I have said my piece.”
“<BR /> <BR />Over the years, we have seen how Northern Ireland has been a place where the acting sector and film-making can thrive. We saw that with 'Game of Thrones'. We have seen it at Titanic Studios. We have Kneecap, who are doing so well and are prospering. There are so many, certainly in the north-west, who are doing so well, and, for many young people, that all starts in their local community theatre. <BR /> <BR />Minister, I therefore call on you to work closely with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and the Minister for the Economy and to work with urgency across the wider Executive to find the funding that is so desperately needed to enable a much-loved facility to remain open.”
“<BR /> <BR />In Northern Ireland, from Oscar-winning film-makers to Turner Prize-winning artists and from theatre companies tackling difficult social issues to community projects working with the most vulnerable, we are international leaders in demonstrating how the arts can transform lives, yet that extraordinary potential is being choked by financial constraints. At a time when the South is making historic investments in its culture sector, here in the North, we are going in the opposite direction. That is not just unfair but self-defeating. It sends a damaging message to those in our creative community that their work is not valued, which is forcing talent to seek opportunities elsewhere. We cannot afford to let that happen.”
“Compare that with Wales, where investment stands at £10·51 per capita, or down South, where it has soared to the equivalent of over £21 per person. The recent announcement of the Arts Council in Ireland's budget rising to €134 million, which is its highest level to date, shows that the gap between the North and the South when it comes to the arts is truly stark. <BR /> <BR />For me, this is not just about numbers. The debate on the closure of a theatre is about the wider issue of how we view the arts and how we as a society want to be. The arts are not a luxury but a necessity. They drive economic growth, improve mental and physical well-being, foster social cohesion and, again, help heal any divisions in a society that is still grappling with its past.”
“Its closure would be an immeasurable loss to our community and its future. I know that the Minister has ties to Coleraine, so I hope that we will hear more about that in his response. <BR /> <BR />In a world that is increasingly becoming dominated by screens and by isolation, spaces such as the Riverside Theatre offer a rare and essential opportunity for face-to-face connection, shared experience, a sense of communal joy and storytelling. We live in a post-conflict society, and the arts are a really strong and valued way in which to bring together people from all different backgrounds and beliefs. <BR /> <BR />Over the past decade, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland's budget has been slashed by a staggering 63%. In Northern Ireland, we now invest a mere £5·07 per person in the arts.”
“The closure of the theatre would impact on us all. It has brought so many people together over its lifespan. It really is a hub of our community, and it cannot close. Closing the theatre cannot be seen as acceptable, and it demands the investment that is necessary for it to remain open. <BR /> <BR />The arts are the heartbeat of any community, and the Riverside Theatre is more than just a venue. It is a sanctuary for creativity and connection. Theatre is not just about entertainment but about education, empathy and empowerment. The Riverside Theatre has inspired generations, fostering imagination and providing a platform for voices that might otherwise have gone unheard. The theatre is where we come to understand ourselves and, of course, one another, and the Riverside Theatre has long been a cornerstone of Coleraine's identity.”
“We must ensure and secure the future of the Riverside Theatre. We cannot sacrifice the arts. We must recognise the importance of the arts in our society and community, and the Riverside Theatre is at the very heart of that. We know that the theatre's future is "under review". It is said to be quite old and that it requires a lot of capital infrastructure to improve it. We know that assurances cannot be given by Ulster University that the theatre will remain open, which is why we are here today. There is so much concern. My inbox is piling up with correspondence from people contacting their local representative because, rightfully, they are concerned. <BR /> <BR />I want to see the Riverside Theatre remain open. I have been contacted by secondary-school students, university students, pensioners and parents.”
“That is why I am here today. This issue is really worth political attention, and it means so much to our constituents, so I welcome the fact that a number of representatives are here to speak to it. <BR /> <BR />I have spoken with staff at the university and understand the range and complexity of the challenges that they face. Of course, Ulster University has a three-campus approach, while other universities have only one. We recognise that the Riverside Theatre is over 50 years old and in dire need of investment, regeneration and, frankly, wholesale renovation. <BR /> <BR />Joined by cross-party colleagues, I make the case that we need to rescue the Riverside Theatre, and I highlight the fact that the wider Coleraine campus needs attention and investment from the Department for the Economy and the Department for Communities.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. It is a privilege to speak on this important issue, which matters so much to me and my constituents. We all feel strongly that the Riverside Theatre in Coleraine is a huge part of who we are and of our experience growing up on the north coast. <BR /> <BR />For many of us, the Riverside Theatre is the place where we first stepped on stage, sang in a choir, danced in a musical and learnt about the importance of theatre and the arts in our lives and in our community. For many actors in our community, it was where they first knew that they wanted to step into the world of acting, music and dance. Many from the north coast whose names are recognisable stepped on to the stage of the Riverside Theatre, including Jimmy Nesbitt. That shows that the Riverside Theatre is a huge part of our home that is worth defending.”
“I hope that, in the coming months, we will see a well-funded mental health strategy.”
“I always think, "He really is the funniest person I have ever met and probably ever will meet". There is a sadness and an irony in that, because he was probably the happiest person whom I have ever met, yet he is no longer with us. We should all keep an eye on our friends, family and colleagues and remember that depression is not always obvious. Sometimes, people think, "Am I depressed only if I am experiencing suicidality?". No. If you have been down for long periods and are considering therapy, go for it. Do reach out. People are there, and they are keen to listen. It is so important that we have essential services in place for people bereaved by suicide and for those who have experienced miscarriage. <BR /> <BR />Minister, I know that mental health is a priority for you.”
“<BR /> <BR />Substance abuse and misuse highlights the fact that there is real complexity when it comes to dual diagnosis. People fall between addiction services and mental health support services and are often ping-ponged between the two. Those people are a really vulnerable group in our society, so, when we speak about the mental health strategy, it is so important that we realise the urgency of the issue. <BR /> <BR />Earlier today, I touched on how there is so much financial pressure on parents, with the increasing cost of housing, rates, rent, bills and food. It is really vital that we think about that and about how economic challenges feed into poverty. <BR /> <BR />I got into politics after, sadly, I lost my best friend, Zachary, who died by suicide in 2017. In this job, on a range of issues, I think of him often.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank the Member for his intervention. I absolutely agree with him: mental ill health can affect all aspects of our life at any time. That is especially so when you are a student, which is a difficult time for anyone, and our university campuses should drive home the strong message that mental health support services should be available and should be robustly funded. <BR /> <BR />A huge aspect of the wider social issues that contribute to mental ill health is the lack of available housing. I see the stress that housing stress can put on people who are unable to provide a safe and happy home for their children, despite many efforts to seek housing. I see that at first hand in my constituency every day.”
“As I mentioned during Question Time, a profound issue is the lack of access to services and assessments and the pressure that that puts on our young people to thrive in an education system that is not built for them and their needs.”
“We need to recognise the impact of adverse childhood experiences on physical and mental health. We are talking today about tackling stigma. An important part of that is about being led by data and research. It is evidenced that adverse childhood experiences can shape health later in life, increasing the risk of chronic diseases, mental health disorders and unhealthy behaviours. <BR /> <BR />All the issues that I have just mentioned are met with stigma in our society. A survey is badly needed to understand the complexity of childhood experiences that can contribute to mental ill health. Mental ill health affects families across our region, particularly young people.”
“The best way for us, as political reps, to serve our citizens with regard to mental ill health is by knowing how traumatised they are due not only to the Troubles but to the lives that they have lived and their childhood experiences. On that, I ask the Minister of Health to look into conducting a Northern Ireland-wide survey of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). I would like to see that. It would be really important. <BR /> <BR />What are ACEs? They include experience of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, emotional neglect, witnessing domestic violence, substance abuse in the household, mental illness in the household or the incarceration of a family member. Sadly, owing to the complexity of our past, those things are prevalent in our society.”
“I will name but a few: the Olive Branch in Coleraine, the Limavady Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide (LIPS) and, of course, the many men's sheds from Coleraine and Portstewart to Dungiven and Foreglen. We are blessed to have many charities and trusts in my constituency that are committed to tackling those issues. <BR /> <BR />We cannot talk about mental illness in the North of Ireland without addressing the complexity of our past, which was so traumatic. That trauma has travelled through the generations, contributing to high levels of post-traumatic stress, alcoholism and, sadly, domestic violence. It has shaped our homes. To this day, our past shapes who we are. The North's legacy of violence and intergenerational trauma is undeniably linked to higher levels of mental illness in the place that we call "home".”
“Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Mr Speaker will be delighted to know that I have just finished my can of Sprite. <BR /> <BR />I am delighted to speak in this important debate. I thank Órlaithí, most importantly, for tabling the motion. I know that the issue matters very much to her and is close to her heart. <BR /> <BR />In Northern Ireland, one in five of us is on an antidepressant. That means that, out of the 90 of us in the House, at least 18 are on an antidepressant. We all know that mental illness could impact on us at any time of our lives. I want to start by thanking the remarkable mental health advocates across my constituency who serve our community every day in East Derry.”
“Thank you, Minister. Some of the children who spoke to me to about their reasons for staying off mentioned bullying, anxiety and awaiting ADHD and autism assessments that would help them in the classroom. What is your Department doing to address those issues, and what do you say to children who are at home today when they should be at school?”
“Minister, many Irish-medium schools have voiced their frustration that teachers make more money in the South of Ireland. Therefore, we lose a lot of our Irish-speaking teachers to the South. Will a pay award that increases salaries be enough to keep teachers in the North? What further steps will your Department take?”
“We want to see our people in Northern Ireland being excited to have children, but, if you speak to people who do not have kids and are considering having them about the rising cost of childcare and of bills, it is apparent that we, as an Executive and a Government, really need to step in. We want to see leadership and collective action on the issue.”
“Parents cannot cope with the stress of rising childcare bills married with rising electricity bills, gas bills, rent and mortgages: they are undeniably in crisis. Importantly, Kate Nicholl spoke about the need for an update on the task force: I, too, would like to hear more about that. <BR /> <BR />It is important to raise and reiterate the fact that progress has been made, as Peter Martin said. That is welcome, but my party and I feel strongly that it is not enough. Language was used that suggested that the Education Minister's work on childcare has been transformational. That is an opinion, but one that I would argue is not shared by the many parents across the North who still struggle every day and are walking away from their careers.”
“I move to Members' comments. Diane Forsythe raised an important point about access to childcare courses and the challenges of accessing a GP and with sign-off. She was absolutely right to mention the potential for 30 new childcare workers, because we need as many people as possible in the sector, and that is definitely an issue. Cathy Mason mentioned the need for urgency, the need to work at pace. That is undeniable. We need to serve our communities and parents when it comes to rising childcare costs. Diana Armstrong reiterated that there is no need for party political points on the issue: I fundamentally agree. She also said that it is an issue across Northern Ireland, so we need the answer — the solution — to come from across our Executive.”
“I have spoken to countless parents in my constituency who are absolutely devastated by the fact that they are forced to leave work and to walk away from years of building a career, building skills and getting degrees. They have had to walk away from a job that they love and that provides them with an income and have had to do so, undeniably, because of the rising costs of childcare. They do not find it valuable to go to work any more, and that is grossly unfair. Despite the promises and priorities of the Executive, the childcare crisis worsens.”
“Many motions on childcare have been tabled in the House, but, sadly, parents are still in crisis. Many feel that the NICSS savings have been made redundant by the rise in provider costs. Only eligible parents of preschool-aged children are being helped, and many feel that this is not the time for silo working or party politics.”
“It is crucial that we seek sustainability for providers through a new funding scheme to ensure that providers are sustainable and that workers are paid properly. In my constituency, I have seen that Employers For Childcare does not want to burden parents with additional costs, but overhead costs, such as for electricity and heating, are rising every day due to inflation. It is a really difficult situation, and the sector is really struggling. <BR /> <BR />Ultimately, the key focus should be on our young people and on ensuring that they have the best possible start in life. That should be done through a new, expert-led independent body to oversee childcare and early education policy. After listening to the debate, I echo many of the statements that Melted Parents NI has made about childcare costs in Northern Ireland.”
“Thank you very much, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I welcome the opportunity to make a winding-up speech on the amendment in this important debate. <BR /> <BR />Our amendment calls for a political commitment from both the Minister for the Economy and the Minister of Education to drive forward affordable childcare. I welcomed the launch, in October, of the SDLP's policy document, 'A Childcare Guarantee', which was led by our SDLP economy spokesperson, Sinéad McLaughlin. That aims to support parents, the sector and Employers For Childcare and is, ultimately, focused on getting the best outcomes for our children in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Nothing is more important than seeking affordability for parents here who are burdened every day with overwhelming costs.”
“Minister, I know that you are conscious of the possible risk that the ETA scheme could create for the Open, which is coming to Portrush this year. We want to see our businesses prosper there. What level of risk do you see the ETA scheme posing to the success of that championship this year?”
“First Minister, can you detail the engagement that the Executive Office has had with the British Government on online harm that causes violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland?”
“I really think that establishing a task force will bring a lot of justice to the topic. <BR /> <BR />Why now? We cannot afford to wait. I firmly believe that, every day that we delay, we fail another generation of young people. We fail to equip them with the knowledge to build respectful relationships, and we fail to protect them from harm. I urge every Member across the House to vote for our motion.”
“<BR /> <BR />This is about not just education but prevention, and comprehensive RSE has been shown to reduce rates of sexual violence, improve relationship satisfaction and empower young people to make informed choices. It is about giving them the tools to recognise abuse and arming them with the confidence to know where to go to seek help and to speak up. That is why, today, I call on the Minister of Education to work with the Minister of Justice to establish a task force dedicated to enhancing RSE. The task force must address the gaps identified in the healthy young adult relationships project and implement its recommendations by December 2025. The reason why that is so important is that it is a tangible target and has a timeline. It is very topical, and we have been doing extensive research at Committee level.”
“They said that they do not feel ready for the world, and they think that RSE can be one answer in preparing them for real-life situations and preparing them to go out into the world and feeling most confident when establishing and maintaining relationships. <BR /> <BR />Consent is not just a box to tick; it is the cornerstone of healthy relationships. Without a clear understanding of consent, young people are left vulnerable to coercion, abuse and harm. That is particularly urgent when we consider the rise of online abuse, image-based sexual violence and the normalisation of harmful gender stereotypes in digital spaces. It is also really important that we talk about things such as rape myths in RSE and ensure that they are part of the conversation.”
“We have been listening to young people as well, and I thank the team at the Secondary Students' Union (SSUNI), particularly a young lady named Lauren, who has put together a document called 'Let Us Learn', which explores issues such as the importance of consent, understanding what coercive control looks like and, most important, educating our young people who are experiencing abuse in relationships so that they have the words to describe it, to understand what it looks like and to know whom to go to and to speak to if they are experiencing harm, intimidation or threat. I also spoke with young ladies at Thornhill College in Derry, and they had talked through the importance of including things such as the dangers of spiking in our RSE curriculum.”
“A 2021 study found that 71% of our young people across these islands have experienced or witnessed coercive control in their relationships. <BR /> <BR />For years, our curriculum here has been woefully outdated. The Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order 2007, which sets out what should be included and discussed in RSE, does not mention the word "consent" even once: that is crazy. Consent exists in all aspects of our lives. How can we expect young people to navigate the complexities of modern relationships when we fail to teach them about that fundamental concept? I feel strongly about that. <BR /> <BR />The Education Committee is working through RSE developments and coming to agreement. Thankfully, we agree on more than we disagree on, so I think that there is a wide acknowledgement of the need to educate our young people.”
“They reveal significant gaps in how we teach our young people about coercive control, consent and the dynamics of power and abuse in relationships. Those gaps are not just academically recognised; they have real-world consequences, some of which were highlighted in our previous debates. Across the House, we know the statistics: one in three women worldwide will experience either physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most often, sadly, at the hands of their partner. In Northern Ireland, domestic abuse crimes reached a record high last year, with over 35,000 incidents reported. Every one of us hears about and sees such things happening all the time in our constituencies. It is absolutely devastating for the victims.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank the Members from across the House who have given us their attention and enthusiasm throughout the previous debates. I thank them for being here and contributing. <BR /> <BR />I rise to address a critical issue, which is how we educate our young people on establishing and maintaining healthy relationships. Relationships and sexuality education, which is also known as "RSE", should equip our young people with the knowledge and skills to foster healthy relationships, understand boundaries and recognise harmful behaviours. However, for some, including me, RSE in Northern Ireland has, historically, definitely not been fit for purpose. It is really important that it encompasses things such as consent. <BR /> <BR />The findings of Ulster University's healthy young adult relationships project are stark.”
“Across Europe, there are AI centres that provide support for victims of deepfakes. We must see those changes and supports, with ethics, in Northern Ireland in the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC), which is currently being developed. AI has incredible potential. It can be used for good, but we must use our devolved powers to stamp out malicious use. <BR /> <BR />Today, every one of us is speaking up against online violence and harm against women and girls, so I urge every Member to support our motion.”
“That means that we need adequate training, resources and collaboration with tech experts to stay ahead of those who seek to use the technology maliciously. I am particularly concerned about how it can be used to harm children, so that is something important to include in today's debate. We need to step up, be firm and show perpetrators who maliciously use such tech that they will be dealt with. Sentencing here must be a strong deterrent. <BR /> <BR />Lastly, I urge the Minister of Justice to write to the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Secretary of State for Justice demanding a clear timeline for the introduction of legislation to criminalise deepfake abuse adequately. It is not a problem that respects borders, so our response must be unified, swift and comprehensive.”
“The review must include investing in cybercrime technology and resources for the PSNI so that it has the capacity to tackle that growing issue effectively. Sadly, only 15% of UK police forces have dedicated cybercrime units. That shows the glaring gap in our ability to respond to the ever-growing technological threats. <BR /> <BR />We are really failing people, particularly women. They are really on their own with this one, and I feel strongly that that is just not good enough. We must recognise the need for investment in cybercrime units to ensure that law enforcement has the tools and the expertise to tackle the ongoing problem. The technology is advancing rapidly, so our capacity to combat it must advance just as quickly.”
“Although the Minister of Justice is not in the Chamber today, I really believe that, in our devolved institution, we can make the changes that can help support victims and push for action against perpetrators. I call on the Justice Minister in Northern Ireland to treat the issue with the urgency that it rightfully demands. First, we need to ensure that sentences for those who create and distribute harmful deepfakes are robust and can act as a firm deterrent. Victims deserve justice, and perpetrators must face real consequences for their horrific actions. Secondly, we ask the Justice Minister to commission a comprehensive review of existing criminal law on online violence against women and girls to ensure that all forms of abuse are adequately dealt with.”
“Without adequate protections, victims are left vulnerable, while perpetrators will continue to act with impunity. <BR /> <BR />The harm caused by deepfakes goes far beyond individual cases. Deepfakes are a threat to the sanctity of our democracy. Doctored videos of politicians and other public figures spread misinformation, eroding trust in institutions and the people in those institutions and, of course, influencing elections. In a study by the UK's Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation (CDEI), 62% of people expressed concern that deepfakes could manipulate our political outcomes. Democracy relies on truth, and deepfakes distort truth. The longer we delay, the more vulnerable we become to that insidious threat. <BR /> <BR />I am mindful that aspects of the law to do with communication are reserved, but let me say what we can do.”
“The words from the mouth of the British Government are "when time allows", but that language will offer little comfort to victims and survivors and future victims of the malicious use of the technology. <BR /> <BR />Deepfakes are manipulated digital content that appears to be real. They are being used to humiliate, exploit and, of course, intimidate, targeting women in particular. They are so easily made — in mere seconds — through the click of a button on an app. A recent survey found that 96% of deepfake videos are non-consensual pornography. In the UK, a 2023 report stated that image-based abuse, particularly deepfake creation, is up 80% over the past three years. That rise really underscores the urgent need for our legal framework to catch up with technological advancements.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I welcome the opportunity to address these critical and timely issues, which not only affect survivors and victims but act as a threat to our democracy. I rise to discuss the need to regulate deepfakes, a technology that has moved from the realm of novelty to become a tool for harm, exploitation and, of course, deception. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the fact that, in recent weeks, the British Government have moved by announcing plans to change the law to address the malicious use of the technology. While that is a step in the right direction, we cannot wait to have that law brought forward, nor can we afford to wait. We need action now, and we need to keep the pressure on to ensure that there is immediate implementation.”
“Minister, many schools across our constituencies seek to become integrated. You have rejected parental choice for those two schools. What would you say today to parents who are listening and to other schools, such as schools in my constituency, that seek integration, if they were to say that they are concerned that their votes and voices do not matter?”
“Minister, I welcome your statement and particularly the SEN-first approach to school placements. One thing that I noticed was that it did not address post-19 provision. I recently met Alma from Caleb's Cause about that issue and the cliff edge that children with special educational needs experience after leaving school. Can you provide the House with an up-to-date explanation of what is happening with post-19 provision? I note that you are exploring a pilot programme in Rossmar School in my constituency: can you tell us more about that today?”