Chloe Smith MP: Social mobility the priority for Norwich

As Her Majesty the Queen officially opens the next session of Parliament, local MP Chloe Smith outlines her priorities for the year ahead.

 

Famous worldwide for its pageantry, splendour and symbolism, today’s event centres around the Queen’s speech, in which she sets out what her Government intends to do over the next twelve months.

 

Although the Queen reads the speech, it is written by the Government, and outlines how the Government will deliver on the manifesto commitments it was elected on.

 

The occasion attracts large crowds without fail, as well as a significant television and online audience. Starting with the Queen's procession from Buckingham Palace, the Queen is escorted by the Household Cavalry to the Sovereign's Entrance at the Houses of Parliament. Wearing the Imperial State Crown and Robe of State, she makes her way to the chamber of the House of Lords to deliver the speech from the throne.

 

Famous for its symbolism, the whole event is awash with traditions which often appear odd at first glance, but represent years of constitutional history. The House of Lords official known as 'Black Rod' is sent to summon the Commons. The doors to the Commons chamber are shut in his face: a practice dating back to the Civil War, symbolising the Commons' independence from the monarchy. Members of the House of Commons then make their way to the Lords chamber, standing at the opposite end to the throne, to listen to the speech.

 

Commenting on the State Opening, Chloe said:

 

“Looking ahead to the next session, I am particularly interested in the likely upcoming Bills on education.

 

“I recently launched a major campaign to boost social mobility in Norwich, following a report by the Social Mobility Commission indicating that a child growing up poor in Norwich has lower life chances than almost anywhere else in England. I continue to lead on the Norwich for Jobs project, which has already helped to halve youth unemployment in Norwich, but long term progress will require real change in educational opportunities for our young people, both at school and in higher education.

 

“A strong economy has allowed us to protect the schools budget, but there is still a lot of work to do to ensure our children get the best start in life. At the election I said I wanted every Norwich North school to be good or outstanding by 2020. Progress is being made but schools in Norfolk still need to improve. Our children only get one chance at education, and if they are failed, they carry it with them through their life.

 

“I support the recent education reforms announced because I think they will give Norwich children that chance to do better. We can't stay as we are, because that's not been good enough for Norwich children."

 

Chloe recently hosted a roundtable in Norwich, including school leaders, local politicians and business leaders, to develop a strategy for closing the social mobility deficit. In Parliament she has met with key experts, including a recent high level meeting at Downing Street to discuss implementation of the Government’s life chances strategy.