Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Sarah Hall Excerpts
Wednesday 11th February 2026

(3 days, 9 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Hilary Benn Portrait Hilary Benn
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The increase in national insurance was a decision that the Government took to deal with the inheritance left by the last Government. [Interruption.] That is a fact, and no one can argue that it is not the case. We needed to put the economy on a stable footing. The fact that the Northern Ireland economy is growing, and that Northern Ireland has the lowest unemployment in the United Kingdom, is a sign of the fundamental strength of the economy in Northern Ireland.

Sarah Hall Portrait Sarah Hall (Warrington South) (Lab/Co-op)
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5. What recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on education.

Jas Athwal Portrait Jas Athwal (Ilford South) (Lab)
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10. What recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on education.

Matthew Patrick Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Matthew Patrick)
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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.

Sarah Hall Portrait Sarah Hall
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As chair of the inclusion and nurture in education all-party group, I welcome the Northern Ireland Department of Education’s independent research showing that nurture provision delivers measurable improvements in pupils’ behaviour, attendance and attainment. What discussions are being had to share this good practice in inclusive education with the rest of the UK, including officials in England, as the Government seek to improve inclusion and educational outcomes for all?

Matthew Patrick Portrait Matthew Patrick
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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.