Live online chat with The Rt Hon Beverley Hughes MP, Minister for Children, on Thursday 24th May 1-2pm

[carriemumsnet]

Hi all

Ok this is your chance to have your say about what, in an ideal world, you'd like to happen to childcare, nurseries and pre-schools (as well as debate what's happening in the sometimes non ideal world). The Rt Hon Beverley Hughes, Minister for Children and mum of three, will be joining us for a lunchtime chat on Thursday 24th May, so bring your sarnies, get your questions ready and join us then. For those of you who have unavoidable lunchtime commitments (and letters from your mum to prove it) we'll let you post your questions in advance here. For the rest of you, we'll see you on the 24th.

On a less pressing and specific point, did you see the recent documentary about enforcing a no swearing policy in schools and the effect on the quality of secondary school experience for children and teachers.

Cost next to nothing (Gordon will be happy) - what about making it education policy of some sort in support of the whole "respect" thingy that Tony Blair and David Cameron have been bandying around.

yes Aitch, exactly. Beverly we are intelligent women. Please don't patronize us.

seriously beverley, do you feel that your little lecture about the benefits of bfing [ answered any of the questions we put to you?

Four little words, Beverley.

Obviously I'd like a detailed explanation too, but I don't think I'll get one - so, four words.

Beverley - re. these breastfeeding issues, go and chat with the ex-head of the mat alliance. I believe she works for the Health Secretary now as a special advisor....she might give you some useful info. Just a suggestion....

I?m afraid my time?s up everyone. Thanks again for taking the time to speak to me and apologies to those of you I couldn?t get to. I hope the responses I have been able to give have been useful. I?d also like to thank mumsnet for having me on the website. The key thing I want to say as the Minister for children, is that we want to give choice to mothers and fathers and give them financial support so that they can make decisions about what is best for their families. I know from personal experience that it's not easy, so good luck to all of you!

Oh, you

right who needs a nice cup of hot sweet tea?

thanks for popping in Bev

lol at justine baring her doors and not letting BH out of the study

Pathetic

aye well with you in charge we and our children will need it! [disgusted]

Good luck?! is that it then? bloody hell! she should sack her spin doctor ...

Beverley, I hope you take the time to look at the links I've posted for you.

YOOHOO Beverley, over here !

Childcare vouchers/stakeholder pensions comparison ?

No swearing policy in ALL secondary schools ?

"The key thing I want to say as the Minister for children, is that we want to give choice to mothers and fathers and give them financial support so that they can make decisions about what is best for their families. I know from personal experience that it's not easy, so good luck to all of you! "

MN Towers, can we have Topsy of Topsy and Tim fame for our next online chat?

I think she'll be more useful.

rofl hunker

And please can one of our journo MNers write a piece based on this.

Headline: Minister For Children Doesn't Care About Babies

quote of the week from Beverly - what a load of hot air and nothing ... i am sorry but that was shameful exercise by a Minister ...

well, that was enlightening

not

nothing liek toeing the party line and trotting out soundbites

actually it's really not funny .......

Disappointing. all I can ask of Beverly is that she learns a little about parents and their concerns from this experience and looks a little deeper into the issues. If she was actually here that is, and not just some assistant who wouldn't know what breastfeeding was if it slapped him in the face ..