Following Robert Halfon MP’s announcement that he is stepping down as Skills Minister and will not contest the next General Election, Baker Dearing Educational Trust Chairman Lord Baker has released the following statement.

“I would like to pay tribute to Robert Halfon, who has been a continuous and tremendous supporter of technical education including University Technical Colleges throughout his time in Parliament.

“From Level 1 courses to degree apprenticeships, he has pushed the Government to make better skills policy in his roles as an MP, as chair of the Education Select Committee, and as a minister.

“We are sad to lose him as a champion in Parliament. The House of Commons will be poorer without his expertise and passion for changing young people’s lives and for helping them climb the ladder of opportunity.

“I hope he continues his good work on skills and technical education outside Parliament and Baker Dearing looks forward to continuing to work with Robert.”