Mark Sewards

Mark Sewards

Labour — Leeds South West and Morley

Speaking in the House of Commons on 27 October 2025

Debate

Holidays During School Term Time

Contribution

My hon. Friend will recall that we in the Education Committee held an evidence session in July about school attendance. One of the witnesses stated that fines are “simultaneously too harsh and too soft”; too harsh, because they damage the relationship between parents and schools, but too soft to move the dial substantially on school attendance. Although, as a former teacher, I agree with the main thrust of my hon. Friend’s argument, does she have any further reflection on the need to look at the fines system again, to replace it or to come up with something more effective?

More from Mark Sewards

Other recent Hansard contributions by the same speaker.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

For Mark Sewards's full parliamentary record including voting history, expenses and all other contributions, see the Mark Sewards report card.