Gavin Williamson

“It is known that the first few years of a child's education are so important.”

“Labour's frankly dangerous plan to scrap Ofsted would see children less safe. Their policy of abolishing all primary assessments would remove accountability. Their abolition of free schools and academies would stifle innovation and quash excellence.”

“I remain optimistic that with the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine, 2021 will be the year we overcome coronavirus.”

“Coronavirus has caused huge disruption and heartache across the world.”

“The terrorists are as much an evil ideology as a geographical entity.”

“Our Armed Forces do a magnificent job.”

“University is a valuable and important path for many, but young people can also consider further education or an apprenticeship.”

“I want the very best in the Army, the Navy and the Air Force and we are determined to get them.”

“Since the Second World War, the British Armed Forces have excelled at every challenge assigned to them in theatres across the globe. It is not merely patriotism that makes me say they are the best.”

“A Conservative majority government will get Brexit done, so we can focus on making sure our education system sets our children up for the future.”

“While it is for every school to make its own policy, I firmly believe that mobile phones should not be used or seen during the school day, and will be backing head teachers who implement such policies.”

“My dad's dad was a printer, my mum's was a quarryman and it is one of my greatest regrets that neither was alive when I became an MP.”

“As Education Secretary, I pay attention when experts give me advice - I'd get into hot water very quickly if I didn't.”

“As we leave the E.U., some have questioned whether this is a signal of Britain's retreat into isolation. They could not be more wrong.”

“North Korea has demonstrated an active global cyber capability while its reckless nuclear missile programme poses a deeply disturbing threat.”

“We must make sure we are primed and ready to deter and counter the intensifying threats to our everyday life that are emerging in space.”

“Education is not just about core subjects, although these are, of course, vitally important. It has to provide for different talents and aptitudes, and establish a launchpad for numerous different careers.”

“I always think about my friends who I went to school, college and university with and I know for so many of them school is the thing that gives us that amazing boost.”

“I don't very much believe in the stick, but it's amazing what can be achieved with a sharpened carrot.”

“We have witnessed the bravery of students, academics and leaders alike, who have stood up courageously for free speech and academic freedom in the face of vocal opposition.”