Steve Witherden

Steve Witherden

Labour — Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr

Speaking in the House of Commons on 27 November 2025

Debate

Access to Arts and Culture

Contribution

In Wales, expressive arts is a mandatory part of the curriculum, helping to develop pupils’ creative, artistic and performance skills while also improving cognitive development, attainment in maths and English, behaviour and wellbeing. Given that England has seen a 42% decline in expressive arts GCSE entries since 2010, what plans does the Minister have to restore the status of arts and creative education and support a broader, more balanced curriculum?

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