Education Settings: Wider Opening

Debate between John Howell and Gavin Williamson

Tuesday 9th June 2020 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

We continue to work on this issue with the Department for Transport, the Local Government Association, local authorities and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. We recognise the challenges of home-to-school transport and will look at how we can provide support to bring more children back, especially as we move into the September period.

[John Howell (Henley) (Con)]

If we are going to bring back early years settings, does my right hon. Friend recognise the financial pressure on those that operate as charities, and would he like to set out what we are going to do for them?

[Gavin Williamson]

This is why it was vital that we immediately made it clear to those organisations that we will continue to support them with grant funding for those children who access those settings. Those organisations receive money from Government. On top of that, there is the furlough scheme and we have been able to offer rates relief to many of those organisations. We continue to work with the sector to find long-term solutions to some of the challenges they face.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Howell and Gavin Williamson

Monday 9th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Maggie Throup (Erewash) (Con)]

20. What steps he is taking to encourage defence exports by UK companies.

[The Secretary of State for Defence (Gavin Williamson)]

The Ministry of Defence continues to lead strategic exports campaigns, working across Government and with industry to win business abroad. I am sure that hon. Members will join me in welcoming BAE Systems’ success in being selected as the preferred bidder in Australia’s SEA 5000 future frigate programme.

[John Howell]

What plans does the Secretary of State have for the next phase of exports for the Type 26 frigates?

[Gavin Williamson]

We have a world-leading product and want to sell it right across the world. The deal with Australia is a great success; it is the first major export of ships in more than 40 years. The next place that we will target is, of course, Canada. Working closely with our “Five Eyes” partners, it is important that we have capability so that we can work together, as well as build prosperity together.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Howell and Gavin Williamson

Monday 27th November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

I will take many lectures from many people, but it is a little bit rich to be lectured about defence spending by the party that is led by a man who does not even believe in the British Army or a continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent. The Conservative party is the party that is ensuring that we deliver on 2% and that we increase defence spending. Frankly, I find it shocking to be lectured by the party that is led by a man who does not even believe in the British Army.

[John Howell (Henley) (Con)]

3. What plans he has to increase the number of cadet units in state schools.