Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Helen Hayes and Justine Greening

Thursday 2nd February 2017 Commons Chamber

[Helen Hayes (Dulwich and West Norwood) (Lab)]

1. If the Government will introduce statutory sex and relationships education to tackle homophobic bullying and sexual harassment in schools.

[The Minister for Women and Equalities (Justine Greening)]

The Government want to ensure that all schools are safe, inclusive environments where pupils can fulfil their potential, and we are actively considering how to improve the delivery of sex and relationships education, including updating the existing guidance, which was originally drafted in 2000.

[Helen Hayes]

New clause 1 of the Children and Social Work Bill would make sex and relationships education compulsory under the safeguarding duties of schools. Will the Minister confirm that the Government will be supporting that new clause on Report so that all our young people can be equipped and empowered to keep themselves healthy and safe?

[Justine Greening]

I very much appreciate the support around the House for the fact that it is time to look at how we can do better in regard to sex and relationships education, and we are actively looking at how best to improve the quality of delivery and accessibility so that children can be supported. As the Minister for Vulnerable Children and Families, my hon. Friend the Member for Crewe and Nantwich (Edward Timpson), has set out, the Government are committed to updating Parliament further during the passage of the Bill.

--- Later in debate ---

[Helen Hayes (Dulwich and West Norwood) (Lab)]

T2. Does the Minister agree that the Equality and Human Rights Commission must publish an equalities impact assessment of its planned redundancy programme before that programme proceeds any further?

[Justine Greening]

The EHRC is an independent body that was established under the Equality Act 2006. It has been subject to a substantial reform programme to ensure that it can carry out its core functions effectively, but it must be able to do that under its own steam because it is an independent body.