Oral Answers to Questions

Jas Athwal Excerpts

Wednesday 11th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sarah Hall (Warrington South) (Lab/Co-op)]

5. What recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on education.

[Jas Athwal (Ilford South) (Lab)]

10. What recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on education.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Matthew Patrick)]

Chances in life are set early. Although education is devolved in Northern Ireland, we must work together. That is why it was my privilege to bring the Minister for Early Education to Belfast recently to visit schools and to present to Northern Ireland Ministers at the East-West Council. We discussed the school twinning programme, the theme of which is “Reading for Pleasure”. As a new dad, I am reading quite a few baby books at the moment.

[Matthew Patrick]

Just last month, I went with the early years Minister to visit schools that are really focused on being inclusive and nurturing for pupils, and my hon. Friend is totally right to highlight how this work can have such a positive impact on the children in our schools.

[Jas Athwal]

Does the Minister agree with me about the importance of the Northern Ireland Executive and the Government sharing knowledge, expertise and best practice as we all seek to improve outcomes for children in all our schools?

[Matthew Patrick]

I absolutely do. I have always said that this is not a case of cutting a cheque and walking away. There is work we can do with the Northern Ireland Executive, and we continue to share best practice. In fact, just this week I wrote to the Minister responsible for early years, my hon. Friend the Member for Reading West and Mid Berkshire (Olivia Bailey), to explore further opportunities for collaboration.