The Prime Minister, Toby Perkin.

The Prime Minister.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

And Mr. Speaker, I'm sure that members from all sides of the House will want to join me in sending

our thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the collapse of the Brumadino Dam in Brazil.

We are in touch with the local authorities and we stand ready to provide whatever support

we can.

Mr Speaker, this morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others.

In addition to my duties in this House, I shall have further such meetings later today.

Toby Perkin.

I associate myself with the comments of the Prime Minister about the tragic

situation in Brazil. My son is one of thousands of young people to have their life chances

transformed by their studies at Chesterville College. The college's funding, like FE colleges

across the country, is 30% down in real terms since this government came to power.

Further education funding is in crisis. Why is the education of young people who go to

further education colleges worth so little to this government?

Prime Minister. He could not be more wrong. It is this government, yes.

It is this government that is ensuring that by 2020 the funding available support, the

funding we are putting into further education is ensuring that we are providing the best

life chances for young people who are going into further education.

It is this government that is taking steps to ensure that young people are able to take up the opportunities that are right for them.

For too long in this country, the assumption has been that the only

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