Gavin Williamson

“Economic headwinds, technological change, redundancy, all of these can leave people wondering how they are going to get their next job, but few events have had quite such a profound effect as the coronavirus pandemic.”

“We want all pupils to have the chance to study subjects that are not only going to set them up for the future but which will stretch them creatively.”

“I am pleased to say that, thanks to an incredible collaborative effort involving a variety of groups throughout the education sector, we have been working hard to minimise the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.”

“We need to see people talking excitedly about ideas and the reform of both party and country, not about how to advance their own careers.”

“Satellite technology is not just a crucial tool for our Armed Forces but vital to our way of life, whether that be access to our mobile phones, the Internet or television.”

“To talk but fail to act risks our nation being seen as little more than a paper tiger.”

“In politics and in government, it is essential to argue for what you think is right and what you believe, even if that is not to your political advantage.”

“Restoring the primacy of law designed specifically for the unique conditions of the battlefield is naturally compelling, as is guarding the rights of those, both civilian and military, who find themselves in conflict zones.”

“All schools should provide a safe learning environment, and everyone in them should be able to go about their business without fear of intimidation by a minority of disruptive pupils.”

“I have made it my personal mission to shift the outdated attitudes that too many people in this country subscribe to, that technical and further education is somehow worth less than getting a degree.”

“Some of the most fundamental beliefs in our world view have evolved from British universities.”

“When the first lockdown happened, no one really knew what Covid was. It was such a new disease and the prevailing medical advice was that schools should close, so we obeyed it. There didn't seem to be any choice about that at all. We had taken the view that we should follow the science.”

“Our students believe, rightfully so, that when they embark on their own journey to higher education, they too will have the freedom to make up their own mind, think independently, and perhaps even come up with their own new world view.”

“I will continue to put the safety and wellbeing of pupils, students and staff at the heart of all decision making.”

“We now understand the importance of a healthy mind as well as a healthy body.”

“Further Education is central to our mission of levelling up the country.”

“Free speech underpins our democratic society and our universities have a long and proud history of being places where students and academics can express themselves freely, challenge views and cultivate an open mind.”

“I know that parents understand the need for greater discipline in school. They want to know that their children are in a safe and secure environment where they have a chance to flourish.”

“Good planning is what the British people expects the Government to do.”

“Young people like myself have grown up in a country which embraces many cultures.”