The dominant narrative focused on the government’s education and child welfare agenda, specifically amendments to the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill and legislation to scrap the two-child benefit limit. David Lammy achieved the highest engagement with an update on his meeting with Vice President Vance to discuss security in Ukraine.
Three Major Themes
- Education and Child Welfare: Bridget Phillipson announced amendments to the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill, including a register of children not in school and Ofsted inspections for multi-academy trusts, while also confirming legislation to scrap the two child limit.
- Storm Goretti Response: Ed Miliband monitored the storm’s impact on electricity supplies, and the Cabinet Office reported that Security Minister Dan Jarvis held a briefing in the National Situation Centre.
- International Relations: David Lammy met with Vice President Vance regarding Ukraine, and Peter Kyle discussed trade improvements at the UK–Türkiye Joint Economic and Trade Committee.
Jo Stevens criticized Nigel Farage regarding his stance on the two child limit, while the Northern Ireland Office noted the decision to lift the cap was “widely welcomed in Northern Ireland.” Bridget Phillipson confirmed Labour introduced legislation to scrap the two child limit. Emma Reynolds spoke at the Oxford Farming Conference about the future of British agriculture. The Cabinet Office confirmed work with partners to keep communities safe during Storm Goretti. Additionally, MHCLG highlighted the opening of a new station at Beaulieu Park to support housing delivery.
Peter Kyle reported on discussions to deliver “smoother customs” with Türkiye. David Lammy met Vice President Vance to discuss steps to bring peace and security to Ukraine. Bridget Phillipson stated that “only Labour will tackle child poverty.”
Ed Miliband stated his department is continuing to monitor power supplies following Storm Goretti. Bridget Phillipson announced tabled amendments to the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill, including a register of children not in school and ensuring Multi-academy trusts will be inspected by Ofsted. She also confirmed that the expansion of free school meals “will be put into law.” The House of Lords noted that the Terminally Ill Adults Bill is on the agenda for line-by-line check. Defra highlighted funding that has helped plant 237,000 trees.
Outlook / Emerging Trends
Bridget Phillipson stated that the expansion of free school meals “will be put into law” and that “this year” half a million more children will achieve and thrive in school. She further confirmed that a register of children not in school “will be made a reality” and Multi-academy trusts “will be inspected by Ofsted.”
