Jacqui Smith

Former teacher; former Minister; former NHS & Children’s services leader; former podcaster & commentator NOW back in government as @educationgovuk Minister 😀

[Lucy Powell MP @LucyMPowell]

Another ill-judged attempt at political point-scoring from Kemi.

School attendance and keeping schools open is my absolute priority, as is the safety of all children.

We've been in close contact with headteachers, schools and local authorities in Redcar and Cleveland, and Middlesbrough to support them to keep schools open and with sensitive child protection issues.

These are difficult decisions for headteachers to make, but I have been assured no further closures will be needed.

The Conservatives used to champion school autonomy. Now, apparently, they want me signing off every decision a headteacher makes. I trust and support headteachers.

If you want to talk about shame, start with huge cuts your government made to local policing and services in Teesside – they’re still living with the consequences.

[Jacqui Smith @Jacqui_Smith1]

This is both shocking and very sad news. I echo Lucy’s words and urge everyone to respect Jason’s family and friends and give them privacy at this incredibly difficult time.

[Lucy Powell MP @LucyMPowell]

I’m deeply shocked & saddened to hear about the death of Jason Arday. My heartfelt condolences are with his friends and family at this very sad time. I urge people to give them privacy through this incredibly difficult period & to remember there are real people with loved ones involved.

[Lucy Powell MP @LucyMPowell]

I’m deeply shocked & saddened to hear about the death of Jason Arday. My heartfelt condolences are with his friends and family at this very sad time. I urge people to give them privacy through this incredibly difficult period & to remember there are real people with loved ones involved.

[David Yelland @davidyelland]

What a mean-spirited first edition of Daily Mail tonight, including their grandest public school educated columnist - the King’s official biographer no less - sent up to Lucy Powell’s Manchester state school to take the piss and poke holes… should we not celebrate her rise? These people have no idea what it is like to be an outsider like she was… so what if she made an error in her grammar… for heaven’s sake…

[Collins of Highbury @Lord_Collins]

The UK stands in solidarity with Germany and everyone affected by the appalling incident in Berlin. Pride is a celebration of human rights, freedom and dignity. Violence and hatred have no place in our societies, and must never be allowed to undermine these shared values.

[Lewis Goodall @lewis_goodall]

Working class people get into best universities in the country, then make it to top of politics

UP WITH THIS WE WILL NOT PUT

[(((Ian McKenzie))) 🇬🇧🇪🇺🇫🇷🇺🇦🇮🇱🇬🇪🇬🇱 @iMcKenzied]

Because everyone knows that politics is the only work environment where people meet their partners and their offspring go to work there. I mean, journalism never has any offspring or siblings in it.

[Jacqui Smith @Jacqui_Smith1]

@adepstein1 So you’re not actually ‘all for people spending their hard earned cash how they like’ are you. And are using women’s appearance to criticise them and their husbands 🙄

[Lucy Powell MP @LucyMPowell]

Every child, wherever they live, should grow up with opportunity on their doorstep.

It was a privilege to walk through the door as Education Secretary to start that work.

[Jacqui Smith @Jacqui_Smith1]

@JennyChapman Thank you for your service. You’ve done a brilliant job in a difficult brief and your work in opposition helped to get a Labour government in the first place.

[Jacqui Smith @Jacqui_Smith1]

At last

[Metropolitan Police @metpoliceuk]

Conditions are in place on Whitehall tomorrow (Monday, 20 July).

Anyone assembling near the Downing Street gates to observe events linked to the new Prime Minister must not use any amplified noise equipment and must stay within the shaded area. These conditions are in place between 10:30 – 13:30.

[Bridget Phillipson @bphillipsonMP]

Under Labour, school standards are rising. It's a testament to the dedication of our teachers.

School leaders and staff have shown extraordinary professionalism this year – an enormous thank you.

My piece for @SchoolsWeek ✍️

https://t.co/S6OW7NYj6i

[Pat McFadden @patmcfaddenmp]

How do we help people live the fullest life? Article in Times today.

https://t.co/6AnhPNbwh1

[City Lit @citylit]

We were delighted to welcome The Rt Hon. Baroness @Jacqui_Smith1 from @educationgovuk to City Lit last week.

Her visit included time in jewellery, health and wellbeing, and Deaf employment classes.

It was a valuable opportunity to share the breadth of learning at City Lit.

[Erasmus+ UK @ErasmusPlusUK]

Did you know that Erasmus+ funding was also availble to adult education and VET providers?
That's why yesterday, we were in Manchester for the HOLEX Summer Network event of 2026.

It was an honour to have @Jacqui_Smith1 , Minister of State for Skills, DfE, come by our stand!

[Sophy Ridge @SophyRidgeSky]

I think I’m going to take a leaf out of @Jacqui_Smith1 book

[Iain Dale 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧 ⚒️ @IainDale]

I'm delighted to reunite with @jacqui_smith1 at the Edinburgh Fringe. I'll talk to her about her life as a minister and she'll interview me about my autobiography.

2pm, Sun 9 Aug, EICC

Buy tickets https://t.co/nk18PZwb7R

[Jacqui Smith @Jacqui_Smith1]

@chrislunn47 @CurtisDaly_ Have we met?

[Bridget Phillipson @bphillipsonMP]

Kemi lost her head at PMQs - and afterwards too.

It's not the first time. She's compared me to a Gestapo officer.

I wonder what it is about a working class woman driving record investment in state schools by ending private schools' tax breaks that the Tories hate so much.

[Bridget Phillipson @bphillipsonMP]

Green shoots of progress: for the first time in five years, more children and teenagers are enjoying reading.

Go all in with the National Year of Reading. 🌱📚