Mr Williams often speaks on education in his capacity as Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, and he has long been interested in the ALSPAC study, a long-term health research project. More than 14,000 mothers enrolled on the study during pregnancy in 1991 and 1992, and the health and development of their children has been followed in great detail ever since. The ALSPAC families have provided a vast amount of genetic and environmental information over the years, providing a resource that assists scientists all over the world with research into a wide range of health problems.

Mr Williams said: ‘Over the years, I have met a lot of the ALSPAC children when I have visited schools, and I was very pleased to be invited to see the project for myself. I’m impressed – I had no idea it was such a large study, with thousands of families involved.

‘This type of highly detailed, long-term study is of immense value for policy makers – not just in education, but in health, employment and many other areas. It is vital that plans for the future are evidence based, and the ALSPAC study is an invaluable resource.’