My work - Education
Education has always been very important to me. I was a teacher for 16 years before my election as an MEP and I keep up my interest in education as a governor of a local primary school and also the College of North West London in Brent. I enjoy visiting schools regularly to talk about and answer questions on the European Union.
On arriving at the Parliament I became a member of the Committee for Culture, Youth, Education, the Media and Sport and was elected by my Labour colleagues to be the European Parliamentary Labour Party's (EPLP) spokesperson on the Committee. The EU role in education policy is essentially limited to joint studies and projects to examine aspects such as raising standards and ensuring qualifications are recognised across national boundaries. However, the EU also provides funds for educational exchanges between pupils and teachers through the SOCRATES programme, which allows for periods of study abroad. This is one of the EU's most popular programmes, funding initiatives such as ERASMUS and LEONARDO, which help young people to experience the language and culture of our European neighbours. You can find out more information about these programmes by visiting the EU funding link in the EU section of this website.
Useful links:
- European Commission
- Citizens First
- Department for Education and Employment (DfEE)
- National Youth Agency
- British Council - SOCRATES
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