My critics think speaking fluently is vital for fee-paying pupils, but not for anyone else. Here’s why I reject that | Lucy Powell

We are accused of dumbing down, but that’s nonsense: this is levelling up. All the evidence shows helping children articulate improves their life chances

• Lucy Powell is UK education secretary and deputy leader of the Labour party

Private schools don’t leave confident communication to chance. They teach it. Debating, public speaking, presentations, interview preparation. It’s all part of the deal. And parents paying the fees would soon have something to say if it wasn’t. They know that being able to speak up, make your case and hold your own can open doors. I want that for every young person, wherever they grow up and whichever school they go to.

This matters now more than ever. Young people are more connected than they’ve ever been, yet too many feel isolated and unheard. Social media is transforming their friendships and relationships. Artificial intelligence is changing the world they will work in. And in an age dominated by screens and algorithms, the human ability to connect, communicate and make yourself heard has never been more important. But the ability to find your voice should never depend on your parents’ income or the school you attend.

Lucy Powell is education secretary and deputy leader of the Labour party

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