Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Suella Braverman Excerpts

Wednesday 15th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Olivia Bailey]

The right hon. Gentleman’s opinion on the quality of the argument I have made is his opinion, and I happen to disagree with it.

Turning to Lords amendment 102, we have already committed to tighter regulations to make it clear that school quality and parental choice will be central to decisions on published admission numbers. Our amendment in lieu reflects that and will help ensure that decisions on PAN give parents a choice of high-quality school places close to home. In this age of declining rolls, it is important that these powers exist to ensure that every child has the opportunity to have a great school place.

[Suella Braverman (Fareham and Waterlooville) (Reform)]

I know the Minister wants the best for children and is working hard to achieve that goal, but the Government’s guidance makes it clear that non-statutory guidance is not to be

“taken as a complete or definitive statement of the law nor as a substitute for the relevant legislation.”

The fact is that the evidence is damning about smartphone usage and children. Why will she therefore not take the step now and support a statutory ban on mobile phones in schools?

[Olivia Bailey]

I say to the right hon. and learned Lady that on this point our objectives are the same. Phones should not be in schools at any point during the day from start to finish. I say in all good faith that I have looked at this issue—