Kingston and Surbiton MP Sir Ed Davey urges government support for Kingston University's sector-leading Future Skills programme in parliament debate

Kingston and Surbiton MP and leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey has urged the government to support Kingston University's sector-leading Future Skills programme during a Westminster Hall debate in a landmark moment for the campaign.

The 30-minute debate, led by Ed Davey, promoted the success of the University's Future Skills programme and urged ministers to visit Kingston University to see it in action and speak to students about the transformational impact of Future Skills. He also pressed for government support for the University's Future Skills programme in terms of additional funding, research support and potential for scalability across the UK in other universities and secondary schools.

Ed Davey opened the debate, which was attended by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education Janet Daby MP, championing the strengths of Kingston University's Future Skills programme that would revolutionise higher education and boost skills across the UK economy, calling it an ‘engine of real growth' that could enhance the quality of life for millions. He also highlighted how Future Skills was a unique programme not being done in the same way anywhere else and was underpinned by extensive research conducted with businesses worldwide.

Describing Future Skills as an ‘oven-ready' programme that has had global impact, with Kingston collaborating with internationally renowned organisations including Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, Ed Davey urged the government to seize Future Skills as a great British innovation developed here before it is taken elsewhere.

He spoke about the benefit Future Skills will have on higher education and skills in the economy, and the important role the programme plays in delivering social mobility, social justice and creating equal opportunities.

Addressing the Minister and assembled MPs on how the University is leading the way with its Future Skills programme and how it was being rolled out at Kingston to teach students vital skills employers most value in the workplace, Ed Davey recounted the impact it was already having on students – two of whom, Amber and Ramen, were in the public gallery to watch the debate alongside Kingston University Vice-Chancellor Professor Steven Spier.

During the debate, Ed Davey's comments about the need for government support for Future Skills were received warmly by the attending Minister Janet Daby MP, who praised Kingston University for its ‘incredible and outstanding work' and backed the need to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive and drive the nation's growth and prosperity.

Once the debate concluded, Amber and Ramen had the opportunity to meet the Minister and talk to her about the positive impact Future Skills had on their education, confidence, and personal and professional development. They then had an opportunity to visit Ed Davey's parliamentary office to discuss with the MP for Kingston and Surbiton and Professor Spier how they're using the Future Skills they've acquired to benefit their current studies and future careers.

Talking about why he wanted to bring this debate to parliament, Ed Davey, said it was the right time to bring it to the attention of Ministers. "I've been engaging with Kingston University over their Future Skills programme for a while and I've always loved it – I think it's the way we need to go in higher education," he said. "I wanted to make sure Ministers heard about the programme in detail so they understand it's all underpinned by a huge amount of research with businesses across the world – I really hope they now visit the University to see for themselves the many benefits of Future Skills."

Professor Spier was proud that Kingston's Future Skills programme marked its latest significant milestone and is keen to see its rapid progress continued further. "It's been fantastic to have Ed's support and to secure such a pivotal debate in parliament – he has really championed our Future Skills programme, right from the very beginning and it's great it is now receiving attention from Ministers," he said. "It was an honour to bring our students Amber and Ramen to share their experiences with MPs and how it was benefitting them personally and professionally, and we hope their presence will lead to sustained support and recognition from government as we expand our Future Skills programme even further."

Describing her chance to talk about her Future Skills journey to leading MPs, third year biochemistry student Amber Joseph was excited to have the opportunity at Westminster. "Throughout my Navigate and Explore modules in my first two years there were opportunities for me to give feedback but to be in parliament and talk to MPs was amazing. It felt like they really cared about us as students and it was great to feel like my voice was being heard."

Third year computer science student Ramen Alsharef said it was a surreal experience visiting the Houses of Parliament for the first time. "I've walked past many times so it's been great to be inside the place where so many big decisions are made. Talking to MPs has made me realise people outside my inner circle do care about what I have to say and the impact their decisions have on me," he said. "So many of the characteristics Future Skills teaches you skills that puts success in your own hands and it has really boosted my entrepreneurial drive and I wanted to get that across when speaking to MPs."

• Watch the Westminster Hall debate in full and read the full transcript.
• Find out more about Kingston University's Future Skills programme.