Political Editor - Wilson Makes Front Bench Debut

Wilson Makes Front Bench Debut 22nd November 2007

Rob Wilson today made his front bench debut at the despatch box as Shadow Minister for Higher Education. It is believed that Rob is the first Reading MP to speak from the despatch box for over 20 years. The previous Reading MP to do so was Sir Gerard Vaughan in the 1980s.

Speaking to wind-up in the debate over the proposed sale of £6bn worth of student debt Mr Wilson requested assurances that students’ personal details would be secure, that some of the money raised from the sale would be reinvested into Higher Education and used to compensate those institutions who offer part time and second degrees and who are losing £100m as a result of government changes to funding arrangements.

Rob said, "It is a great honour and a privilege to follow in the footsteps of so many great Parliamentarians who have stood and argued their case from the Despatch Box. It was a terrific experience but also a little daunting.”

“This Bill is largely uncontentious and is something that we as a party proposed back in 1996. However, with this government’s track record of getting poor value from previous asset sales and of managing information databases, I have sought assurances of best value and best practice. I am also keen to see that students are not disadvantaged by this sale which is why I asked for at least some of the proceeds of the sale to be reinvested into Higher Education. We will have another opportunity to make these points at the committee stage of the bill and I and colleagues will continue to press Ministers for answers."

For further information, contact Rob Wilson MP on 07973 834035.

View Rob Wilson in action