MP for North West Hampshire Kit Malthouse has met with principals from Hampshire colleges as part of a regular check-in.

The former education secretary was joined by other Hampshire MPs in a meeting with principals from across Hampshire to discuss skills, education and further support for local colleges.

Mr Malthouse said: “The college principals came up with a rather good idea a few years ago of having an annual dinner in Parliament where they would get Hampshire MPs in to talk about their challenges and the improvement they are making to their service.

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“It’s not the first one I’ve been to, I’ve been to a couple of others in the past, but I’m always pleased to go.

“Obviously, Andover College plays a huge part in the life of our town, and so understanding what their challenges are on a regular basis; it’s definitely a meeting worth having.

“I have to say, I’ve obviously been to the college on a number of occasions to talk to them individually, but it’s great to hear the pattern of challenges across the whole of Hampshire, not least because Andover residents don’t just go to Andover College, they go elsewhere as well.”

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Speaking after the meeting, Mr Malthouse said: “I recently met with the principals of Hampshire’s colleges, including our very own excellent Sparsholt and Andover College, who are doing an incredible job for our local young people.

“In whatever role I am lucky enough to be in, I will always champion their work, and push the case for proper investment in our colleges so that our young people can be equipped with the best education and skills as they start their working life.”