MP asks Starmer to back college funding bid

2 hours ago

Chloe Hughesin Shropshire

News image — Julia Buckley said Shrewsbury College buildings were full to capacity

BBC Julia has brown shoulder length hair and is smiling. On her right is the houses of parliament which are large brown buildings. She is wearing a black suit jacket and black and white blouse, with a red rose pin on the jacket — Julia Buckley said Shrewsbury College buildings were full to capacity

The MP for Shrewsbury has urged the outgoing prime minister to back a college funding bid.

Speaking at Sir Keir Starmer's final Prime Minister's Questions, Julia Buckley said Shrewsbury College was attempting to secure capital funds to open a new construction centre in September.

She said the centre was needed because applications were up 15% and buildings were "full to capacity".

"As the main post-16 provider in the county, our outstanding college trains over 10,000 young people and adults at both A-Levels and vocational qualifications," she said.

"In a rural area like Shrewsbury with limited alternatives, hundreds of people could end up becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training)."

Responding, Sir Keir, who will step down as Labour leader and hand power to Makerfield MP Andy Burnham on Friday, before leaving Downing Street on Monday, said he was aware of the college's bid for funding.

"I've also set a target for two-thirds of young people either to go to university or to a gold standard apprenticeship," he said.

"We rightfully applaud, and put on a pedestal, those who go to university - we need to do the same for those that are apprentices as well, and have a bit of rebalancing."

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