Dear friends,

You may have seen the report by the BBC's Newsnight last night on Tory plans to cut student maintenance grants.
This is deeply troubling. You can read the full story on the BBC News website here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-33103878

And my statement on the matter is below:

Dear friends,

You may have seen that Ofsted has brought out new reports today, including ones into Park View and Nansen Primary School.

The House of Commons Education Committee has produced a major report on the government's record on apprenticeships and traineeships for 16-19 year olds.

The report shows that not enough teenagers are taking up apprenticeships and that among 16 to 19 year olds the number of opportunities has decreased by 10,000.

Commenting on the report Shadow Minister for Universities, Science & Skills Liam Byrne MP said:

Dear friends,

Early last year Parkfield Community School won my first ever Hodge Hill School award for their amazing work helping redesign the nearby old tyre park into an innovative new fitness area.

Dear friends,

I wanted to let you know about some great new activities that are available in Hodge Hill thanks to the Council's Active Parks:

Dear friends,

I wanted to share with you the report of my visit to Palestine earlier this year. Click on the image below to see it full size.

With all best wishes

Liam Byrne

Dear friends,

I wanted to share with you the letter I have received from Nicky Morgan MP, Secretary of State for Education, earlier this week.

You read the letter below (click on the letter for larger image).

I am glad to read that we have progress at last and that the Government has now committed to seeing an openly elected parent council.

What was true in 1944 is true today. The challenge is that the skills crisis is getting worse.

I was incredibly impressed to see the amazing progress of the Crossrail tunneling project under Tottenham Court Road when I was shown around by Crossrail Chairman Terry Morgan.

It was also great to hear about the Crossrail academy which is providing hundreds of apprenticeships and vital skills.

Commenting on the letter from Universities UK (UUK) to the Times newspaper, Labour's Shadow Minister for Universities, Science and Skills Liam Byrne MP said: