Neil O'Brien

Neil O'Brien

Conservative — Harborough, Oadby and Wigston

Speaking in the House of Commons on 16 July 2025

Debate

Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life

Contribution

The hon. Gentleman is completely right, and it is not the first time—it is generally the case that no one from Reform is present. On this issue, I am afraid that Reform MPs are chronically absent, as we say in education. I will continue with my theme. The Institute for Fiscal Studies has pointed out that the huge difference in performance, and the divergence in performance, between England and Wales cannot be explained by poverty rates or ethnicity. It is to do with the reforms that were not undertaken because of trade union pressure in Wales.

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