On Wednesday, 26 February, MP for Kingston and Surbiton, Ed Davey, held a Westminster Hall Debate promoting the success of Kingston University's Future Skills Programme.

The debate aimed to urge the Government to support what Ed Davey described as an "oven-ready" programme, visit Kingston University ,and provide additional funding to support it. 

The debate was attended by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education, Janet Daby MP.

Students Amber and Ramen, as well as Kingston University Vice-Chancellor Steven Spier, were in the gallery to watch the exchange between Ed Davey and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education. 

Kingston University students Amber and Ramen were in the gallery watching the debate (Image supplied)

Davey opened the debate championing the strengths of Kingston University's Future Skills.

He talked about the benefits Future Skills will have on higher education, skills in the economy and economic growth, and the important role the programme plays in delivering social mobility and creating equal opportunities.

He went on to describe what Future Skills was and how it was being rolled out at Kingston University to teach students the vital skills employers are asking for in the workplace.

After providing background to Future Skills, Davey shared the experiences of students Abdurrahman and Pauline, who have been taking part in the Future Skills Programme. 

Once Davey's and Daby's exchange concluded, the attending students had the opportunity to meet with the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State directly.

They then discussed in more detail about the positive impact Kingston University's Future Skills Programme has had on their education and confidence. 

The leader of the Liberal Democrats opened the Westminster Hall Debate saying: "I'm pleased to tell the Minister that my aim in this debate is to give the Government a present. 

"A present in the form of an idea that would revolutionise higher education and boost skills across our economy and be an engine of real growth.

"But it's more than that. It's an idea that could enhance the quality of life for millions for it's also about social mobility and social justice. Equality of opportunity, in action."

After describing Kingston University's Future Skills, Ed Davey MP asked Janet Daby MP: "I will turn to my final asks of the Minister and Department. The main ask remains: please visit. Please engage soon. 

"I invite the Minister to ask herself, "Is this a present? Is this an idea we can accept and get behind?" If she wants to get properly behind it, just a bit of cash would really help Kingston University to take it forward. 

"I hope that is another reason why the Minister and the team at the Department for Education (DFE) will want to look at future skills at Kingston University: the role that it can play in social mobility, social justice and equal opportunity."