theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-11-25d conversation_2

Liz Twist:What steps he is taking to ensure parity of esteem between mental and physical health services. \p Zubir Ahmed: Too many people are waiting too long for mental health support. Since coming into office, the Government have put mental health support services on the road to recovery. We promised 8,500 more mental health staff by the end of the Parliament, and we have already recruited 6,500 of them. We are introducing the first 24/7 mental health crisis support services through NHS 111, and we have rolled out mental health support to schools and colleges across the country, providing help to 5 million children and young people. \p Liz Twist: Our mental health system is still suffering from the strain of 14 years of Conservative government. Rethink Mental Illness has reported that 12 times as many people are now waiting for mental health treatment than for physical health treatment. Nearly one third of those surveyed attempted suicide while waiting, and one in five lost their jobs. What are the Government doing to tackle those long waits and offer support to people before they reach crisis point? \p Zubir Ahmed: I thank my hon. Friend for all her tireless work to improve the lives of people living with mental illness and to prevent suicide. The 10-year health plan will build on the work that has already been done to reduce waiting lists, including through an extra £688 million of real-terms investment this year, the hiring of more staff and the expansion of talking therapies for an extra 380,000 patients. In addition, as she will know, the Mental Health Bill, which is in its final parliamentary stages, will modernise legislation and make a significant impact on the lives of those who live with mental illness. \p Wera Hobhouse: My all-party parliamentary group on eating disorders recently published a report on preventing eating disorder-related death. The report highlighted that eating disorders are not accurately recorded on death certificates. I was promised an update from the Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health over two months ago, but am yet to receive one. How much longer will I have to wait? \p Zubir Ahmed: I am genuinely sorry that the hon. Lady has not received the reply to which she is entitled. I will look into it myself, take it up with my ministerial colleague, and ensure that a reply is expedited in the fashion in which it should have been in the first place.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-11-25d conversation_5

Sally Jameson:What steps he is taking to help reduce the repair backlog at Doncaster Royal infirmary. \p Karin Smyth: We inherited a crumbling NHS estate. Many hospitals, including Doncaster Royal infirmary, are in a state of disrepair, thanks to the shocking record of the last 14 years. When I visited Doncaster Royal, I saw at first hand the outstanding care staff are providing despite significant infrastructure challenges. That is why the Government have supported Doncaster and Bassetlaw trust with £19.8 million in national funding to redevelop the critical care unit, and another £3.2 million from the estate safety fund for fire safety work. We have also provided nine years of certainty for maintenance budgets, allowing trusts to plan strategically and deliver further improvements. \p Sally Jameson: As the Minister outlined, Doncaster was badly let down under the previous Administration, when after much fanfare and promise we were left off the new hospital programme. Since then, the trust has been working on revised capital projects to keep it going in the interim period, including a much-needed rebuild of the east block. Will the Minister continue to work with me and the trust to deal with the critical state of DRI? \p Karin Smyth: My hon. Friend has been the most tireless campaigner on this issue since coming to the House in July 2024, so of course I will continue to work with her to support her local hospital. The previous Government neglected the NHS: those buildings were left to crumble and their new hospital programme was neither affordable nor deliverable. We are committed to reversing that decline and repairing hospitals like Doncaster Royal infirmary. That is why the trust will receive over £105 million in operational capital across the next four years to be allocated to local priorities, including repairs at Doncaster Royal infirmary.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-11-25d conversation_8

Ben Goldsborough:What steps his Department is taking to improve access to NHS dental services in Norfolk. \p Stephen Kinnock: NHS dentistry is out of reach for too many people, and that issue is felt particularly acutely in rural areas such as Norfolk. This Government are rolling out extra urgent dental appointments across the country, and we will be making further improvements for patients to come in from April 2026. NHS dentistry was left to rot for 14 years under the Conservatives; Labour is putting it on the road to recovery. \p Ben Goldsborough: After 16 months of a Labour Government, the share of adults in Norfolk seen by a dentist has risen from barely scraping 30% to well over 40%—lots done, but lots more to be done. The University of East Anglia proposed a dental school as part of the solution. Will the Minister work with Department for Education colleagues to ensure that the Office for Students and other bodies give it the green light? \p Stephen Kinnock: I, too, am absolutely delighted that more patients can see a dentist in Norfolk but, as my hon. Friend says, there is a long way to go. We are certainly not complacent, but we are showing that it is possible to turn things around. I am also pleased that the University of East Anglia has been approved as a dental school by the General Dental Council. The Office for Students has statutory responsibility for allocating dental school places, but I fully agree that UEA would be a good candidate for any additional Government-funded places allocated in future. \p Several hon. Members: rose— \p Lindsay Hoyle: As it is a Norfolk question, I call James Wild. \p James Wild: The Minister told the Health and Social Care Committee that the spending envelope for dentistry would be confirmed by the end of the summer at the latest. Is the Office for Students still waiting for a ministerial direction to launch that competition for new places, so that UEA can bid along with others and so that we can get training places in Norfolk for the first time? \p Stephen Kinnock: The hon. Gentleman is right: it is the Government’s responsibility to give a steer to the Office for Students, and we are very close to being able to put that together. I am expecting some advice from my officials later in the week, and I shall be happy to keep the hon. Gentleman updated on further progress.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-11-25d conversation_10

Cat Smith:If he will set out a timeline for responding to the Hughes report, published on 7 February 2024. \p Zubir Ahmed: We are carefully considering the work undertaken by the Patient Safety Commissioner, which sets out various potential options for redress. I am both a clinician and a Minister who has recently taken on this area, and my hon. Friend will know that this is highly complex work, but it is a complexity  that I am willing to step into. It requires input and planning across Government, which takes time. I am certainly committed to taking this issue seriously, and I will return to update my hon. Friend and the House in due course. \p Cat Smith: I welcome the new Minister to his post. I have been campaigning on this issue for 10 years, and I have a stack of letters and answers to written parliamentary questions that say things like “in due course” and “the Government are considering”. On behalf of a group of people who have been gaslit by the medical profession, will the Minister step up and be the Minister who ensures that these families, who are victims of the sodium valproate scandal, actually see the redress that they absolutely deserve? Will he make sure that they get a meeting with him at the earliest opportunity? \p Zubir Ahmed: I thank my hon. Friend for all her tireless work, campaigning and advocacy on this issue for many years, particularly since the Hughes report was published in February 2024. Like me, she will be sensitive to the fact that we are coming up to the two-year anniversary of that report. It is a call to action for me and the Department to answer the questions that she has been asking for so long. I have a meeting with the Patient Safety Commissioner very shortly, and I am very happy to meet her separately when she wishes. \p Robin Swann: The Minister will know that the Hughes report focused very much on England, but those affected by the redress scheme will be found across the entire United Kingdom. Will he ensure that he engages with Health Ministers from the devolved authorities? \p Zubir Ahmed: The hon. Gentleman can certainly be given that assurance from me, as the Minister also responsible for four-nation engagement. The Hughes report examined both the sodium valproate and pelvic mesh issues, and I know that these resonate across the four nations, particularly when it comes to licensing and regulation of medical technology. He has that assurance from me.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-11-25d conversation_11

Alison Griffiths:What steps he is taking to help prevent industrial action in the NHS. \p Wes Streeting: Trade unions, representing the majority of NHS staff, are engaged in constructive dialogue with the Government, particularly around reform of Agenda for Change. All NHS staff have received above-inflation pay rises. No other staff in the public sector have received a pay rise as high as that of resident doctors. We offered extra jobs, prioritisation for UK graduates and help with out-of-pocket expenses. Against that backdrop, it is simply appalling that British Medical Association leaders led their members out on strike, even though a majority of resident doctors supported the Government’s offer.

I am pleased to report to the House that, thanks to NHS leaders and frontline staff, including the resident doctors who turned up, the NHS met its ambitious goal  and 95% of planned elective activity went ahead, meaning that 850,000 patients got the procedures and operations they needed, despite the BMA’s reckless action. None the less, the time and money that this has cost us is detrimental, and I hope the BMA will come back to the table constructively. \p Alison Griffiths: After warnings from the NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, my constituents are still rightly concerned that services may yet be cut, appointments lost and operations delayed as a direct result of the BMA’s industrial action. These strikes did not need to happen. What will the Secretary of State do to reassure patients in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton that their safety and wellbeing is a priority for this Government, who have no timetable and no plan, and who have made no progress towards ending these damaging rolling strikes? \p Wes Streeting: I must say that a bout of collective amnesia has swept the Opposition Benches, because the Conservatives seem to have forgotten the absolute calamity of bad industrial relations over which they presided. The difference between Members on this side of the House and the Conservatives is that we have never closed the door to talks; we have always been willing to engage with resident doctors in good faith. Unlike under that party, resident doctors have received a 28.9% pay rise from this Labour Government. It is a reminder to resident doctors across the land that the grass is not greener on the other side, and that they should work with a Labour Government who want to work with them.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-11-25d conversation_12

Gregory Stafford:If he will publish a national strategy for palliative care. \p Stephen Kinnock: I am delighted to have announced in a written ministerial statement yesterday that the Government are developing a palliative care and end-of-life care modern service framework for England. The modern service framework will be aligned with the 10-year health plan, prioritising shifting care out of hospitals and into the community to ensure personalised, compassionate support for individuals and their families. \p Gregory Stafford: There has been cross-party and cross-charity campaigning for this strategy, so I welcome the fact that the Minister has announced it. However, hospices across the country and especially in my constituency are telling me that their biggest problem is the national insurance rise. For example, a children’s hospice that covers my constituency tells me that the £90,000 extra it has to pay in national insurance could have funded three nurses. What discussions has the Minister had with the Chancellor ahead of tomorrow’s Budget to ensure that hospices, and indeed other health and social care organisations, are exempt from any national insurance rises, either in the past or in the future? \p Stephen Kinnock: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. I notice he did not welcome the fact that we are supporting the hospice sector with a £100 million capital funding boost and £80 million in revenue funding  for children’s hospices over three years. We also notice that Conservative Members do like to welcome the additional investment generated from the last Budget, but they do not seem to welcome the means by which it was generated, so I would say to them: what would they cut or what taxes would they put up to pay for what we are doing to get our NHS back on its feet and fit for the future? \p Alistair Strathern: I welcome the Government’s commitment to a strategy for palliative care, which is as overdue as it is important, but it will mean nothing for hospices that are not able to last out until it comes into effect. Garden House hospice in my constituency is facing a crucial funding shortfall, and although the capital funding from the Government that came through earlier this year is incredibly welcome, it is still just short of filling the cash-flow gap it needs to fill to secure its operations. Would the Minister meet me to see what further work the integrated care board may be able to do to protect this vital hospice serving my constituents? \p Stephen Kinnock: I am very pleased that the measures we have taken have provided financial support. I absolutely recognise the challenging financial position, and I would of course be more than happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss that further.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-11-25d conversation_13

Connor Rand:What steps his Department is taking to improve cancer care. \p Karin Smyth: We are committed to transforming cancer care, having already invested £70 million in new radiotherapy machines to help patients to be treated more quickly. We are investing £26 million in the NHS, opening community diagnostic centres in the evening and at weekends to catch cancer early, and our national cancer plan will have patients at its heart—from referral to diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care. \p Connor Rand: My constituent Mike lost his wife to cancer, but as well as battling the physical symptoms, she faced devastating mental health effects, becoming deeply depressed after her terminal diagnosis. Despite that, she never received appropriate mental health support, and this significant issue for cancer patients should be addressed as part of our welcome reforms to palliative care. Could the relevant Minister meet me and Mike to discuss his campaign to improve mental health support for those with a terminal diagnosis? \p Karin Smyth: Of course, I am sorry to hear about the loss of my hon. Friend’s constituent’s wife, and our thoughts are with him and his family. My hon. Friend raises an excellent point, and we are supporting people with cancer who are experiencing poor mental health care by expanding access to psychological therapies through NHS talking therapies. I am sure that the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, my hon. Friend the Member for West Lancashire (Ashley Dalton), will be happy to talk to him as she develops her cancer plan to ensure that these issues are incorporated. \p Caroline Dinenage: A constituent of mine recently had successful high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for prostate cancer, which was at Charing Cross hospital because it is not even offered to men at Portsmouth hospitals, despite being a less invasive treatment with fewer long-term health implications. As if to underline that inequality, imagine his surprise when he turned up at the hospital and found that the same doctor who had diagnosed him in Portsmouth was actually carrying out the procedure in London. What more are the Government doing to ensure that there is no postcode lottery when it comes to HIFU, and what will the Minister do to ensure that more men can access it? \p Karin Smyth: I thank the hon. Lady for that question and for her work on this issue. She makes a really important point about consistency of care. We understand that services are different in different parts of the country—sometimes the needs are different—but we want to ensure that, where there is good practice and proven evidence, care is rolled out. As we say, bring the best of the NHS to the rest of the NHS. I am sure that the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, my hon. Friend the Member for West Lancashire (Ashley Dalton), will take note of that point.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-11-25d conversation_14

Sarah Olney:If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. \p Wes Streeting: Obesity robs children of the best possible start in life, hits the poorest hardest, sets them up for a lifetime of health problems and costs the NHS billions, so I can announce to the House that we are expanding the soft drinks industry levy to include bottles and cartons of milkshakes, flavoured milk and milk substitute drinks. [Interruption.] We are also reducing the threshold to 4.5 grams of sugar per 100 ml. This Government will not look away as children get unhealthier and our political opponents urge us to leave them behind. \p Lindsay Hoyle: The only thing I will say is that at least we are hearing it first in this House and not on Sky. \p Sarah Olney: I congratulate the Secretary of State and the Department of Health and Social Care on the launch last week of the men’s health strategy. My constituent Philip Pirie, who sadly lost his son to suicide, has been calling on the Government to launch a public health campaign to reduce the stigma of suicide. Nearly 75% of those who lose their lives to suicide have not been in contact with mental health services, and that is why we need to reach out. Will the Secretary of State meet me and my constituent to discuss such a campaign? \p Wes Streeting: I am sure that my hon. Friend the Minister for Care would be delighted to meet. The men’s health strategy sets out precisely the challenge in those terms. Through the partnerships that we have already announced, such as with the Premier League, as well as the people who have been knocking on our doors to get involved in such a campaign, I am absolutely confident that together, collectively across the House and across the country, we can tackle this terrible stigma.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-11-25d conversation_15

Jacob Collier:It is great news that we are starting to see NHS dentists return to Burton upon Trent, but my constituents in Uttoxeter are still without an NHS dentist for adults. For a growing town of over 16,000 people, when can my constituents expect to put a smile on their face? \p Stephen Kinnock: I thank my hon. Friend, who is a tireless campaigner on this issue. We want to see more dentists in Burton and Uttoxeter, and across the country, which is why we are offering dentists £20,000 to work in underserved areas. We are making it a requirement for new dentists to practice in the NHS through our tie-in policy. We are also making additional urgent appointments available across the country, including for my hon. Friend’s constituents in Burton and Uttoxeter. \p Lindsay Hoyle: I call the shadow Secretary of State, the birthday boy! \p Stuart Andrew: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Can I ask the Secretary of State why he has not sorted out the strikes and disputes? \p Wes Streeting: I wish the shadow Health Secretary a very happy birthday—21 again! It is good to see him here.

We continue to hold the door open to the British Medical Association. If it wants to engage constructively, we are ready and willing. What we will not do is be held to ransom. What we cannot afford to do is pay more than we already have. What we are able and willing to do is go further to improve their career progression and job prospects, and to work with them to rebuild the NHS, which the Conservative party broke. \p Lindsay Hoyle: Order. I have a lot of topical questions to get through. \p Stuart Andrew: But, Mr Speaker:

“The power to stop these strikes is in the Government’s hands.”—[Official Report, 6 February 2023; Vol. 727, c. 660.]

“They need to sit down and negotiate to end the strikes, but Ministers are too busy briefing against each other.” Those are not my words, but the Secretary of State’s words when he was standing here on the Opposition side. He said it was so simple. The Secretary of State is embroiled in a leadership battle that is taking over the need to focus on averting walkouts, and the Employment Rights Bill reduces voting thresholds on strikes and scrapping minimum service levels. Does the Secretary of State accept that things are only going to get worse as a result of the Bill? And in his words, does he agree that patients have suffered enough? \p Wes Streeting: I was very clear in opposition about the Government’s responsibility to sit down and negotiate, and that is exactly what I have been doing. It takes two to tango. As for the other trivial nonsense the right hon. Gentleman mentions, I have been very clear that I am a faithful. Of course, if he were a gameshow, he would be “Pointless”.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-11-25d conversation_16

Katrina Murray:There is a higher prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Scotland than in any other part of  the UK. What steps is the Department taking to ensure that people living with MS can access both a timely diagnosis and equitable specialist care, regardless of where they live in the UK? \p Stephen Kinnock: My hon. Friend raises an important point, and I would be more than happy to meet her to discuss it, because I think the complexity of what she raises needs some detail. \p Lindsay Hoyle: I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson. \p Helen Morgan: Every MP will be aware of the huge value that unpaid carers add to the NHS, taking the pressure off paid carers while often under intolerable pressure themselves. We were therefore really pleased to hear the news this morning that thousands of unpaid carers will have their cases reviewed, after they had been left with huge debts as a result of a failure of Government over a long period of time. However, it has been reported that debts will continue to accrue and overpayments will continue to be pursued for as long as a year from now. Given his responsibility to unpaid carers, will the Secretary of State raise the issue with colleagues, urging them to suspend repayments until the recommendations are enforced, and ensure that those people propping up the care system are treated fairly from today, not from in a year’s time? \p Wes Streeting: I am grateful to the hon. Member for that question, as this is a terrible situation and one of the many messes that this Government are now working to clean up. I will certainly ensure that the issue she raises is taken up with my right hon. Friend the Work and Pensions Secretary.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-11-25d conversation_17

Tristan Osborne:The Public Accounts Committee has recently scrutinised the state of clinical negligence in the UK. At £60 billion, the Government liability for clinical negligence significantly increased under the last Government. The Government have commissioned David Lock to review the issue. Does the Secretary of State agree that reform is desperately needed in this space? \p Zubir Ahmed: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. As announced in the 10-year health plan, David Lock KC is providing expert policy advice on the rising legal costs of clinical negligence and how we can improve patients’ experience of claims. That review is ongoing, and following initial advice to Ministers and the recent report from the National Audit Office, the results of David Lock’s work will inform future policymaking in this area. I am happy to update my hon. Friend as soon as that happens.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-11-25d conversation_18

Danny Chambers:Reports that one in three adults have been relying on chatbots and artificial intelligence tools for mental health advice and therapy are concerning, because those tools are currently unregulated and potentially dangerous. One reason why people are using them is that mental health waiting lists are so long. What is the Secretary of State doing to reduce mental health waiting lists, so that people can speak to a qualified mental health practitioner instead of relying on unregulated AI tools? \p Wes Streeting: I am happy to report to the hon. Gentleman that we are well on the way towards delivering the 8,500 more mental health staff we promised in our manifesto, with over 6,500 already there. Digital tools can play a role, and I am pleased to report that, given the evolution of our online tools via the NHS app, ensuring that we have high-quality and clinically verified apps will be part of our approach, so that people have access to high-quality digital tools, not ones they have googled on the internet.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-11-25d conversation_19

Kenneth Stevenson:As a faithful, I commend the Secretary of State for reaffirming his commitment to driving forward digital innovation in the NHS. Does he agree that Scotland should mirror the UK so that we do not fall behind the pace with developments that could be game changing in terms of outcomes for patients and staff alike? \p Zubir Ahmed: While the NHS in Scotland has no app and no plans for a national roll-out, the NHS in England has had an app since 2019, with 71 million logins in October 2025. Three in four people now have the app in their pockets and it has more subscribers in England than Netflix. You may ask, Mr Speaker, why NHS Scotland does not have an app? The answer comes in a freedom of information request by the champion journalist Simon Johnson: when asked about some of the drawbacks of applying the NHS England app in Scotland, they said:

“political optics of adopting an English solution”.

It is time for Analogue John to move over and let Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie finally drag the Scottish NHS into the 21st— \p Lindsay Hoyle: Order. We are on topical questions. The Prime Minister is in the Chamber. If you do not want Members to get in, please tell me; it would be easier.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-11-25d conversation_20

Sarah Dyke:In Somerset, only 41% of children have seen an NHS dentist in the past two years, which is well below the national average. Ben from Somerton is a single parent of four children. He lives in an NHS dental desert and worries about the health of his children’s teeth. There is no way he can pay for private dental care, as he can barely afford to pay for his children’s food. Ahead of the Budget tomorrow, can the Minister confirm what action he is taking? \p Stephen Kinnock: We have the interim reforms, and our response on those will be published very soon. We are working on the long-term reform of the NHS dentistry contract with the British Dental Association, and I would be happy to keep the hon. Lady updated on our progress.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Connor Rand:I am proud that this Government have invested record amounts into our national health service. In Altrincham and Sale West, the results are clear: waiting lists down 10 months in a row, extra investment in local GP surgeries and, most recently, a new skin cancer diagnostic centre at Altrincham hospital, ensuring early intervention at the heart of local healthcare. Does the Secretary of State agree that this is exactly the change we were elected to deliver? \p Wes Streeting: Yes, Mr Speaker. [Interruption.] Opposition Members do not like to hear it, but we are bringing waiting lists down for the first time in 15 years, patient satisfaction with general practice is rising, and we are delivering the investment, modernisation and change the country voted for.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-06-18e conversation_3

Zöe Franklin:What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce digital exclusion for people with communication disabilities. \p Stephen Timms: The digital inclusion action plan, published in February, sets out plans to widen access to devices, drive digital upskilling, break down barriers to participation and support people in their own communities. The plan highlights disabled people as one of five priority groups more likely to be digitally excluded, and the focus is therefore on them in particular. \p Zöe Franklin: A constituent contacted me specifically about the digital inclusion action plan, explaining that because of his voice disability, spasmodic dysphonia, he struggles to access essential services such as banking,  because automated phone systems could not understand his voice. There is often no clear way of bypassing those systems, and alternatives like webchat are slow and ineffective. This is a growing issue for many people with communication disabilities. What steps is the Minister taking, with Cabinet colleagues, to ensure that services remain accessible, and will the issue be addressed through the action plan? \p Stephen Timms: The hon. Lady has raised some interesting points. The action plan outlines five initial actions, including the establishment of an ambitious digital inclusion innovation fund. I do not know whether some of those ideas could be used to address the concern that the hon. Lady has raised, but we do want to be ambitious in all this. In the “Pathways to Work” Green Paper, published a couple of months ago, we talked about assistive tech and the possibility of making it more widely available; maybe there are solutions there that could be taken forward. I would be interested to talk to the hon. Lady about what more we might do. \p Christopher Vince: Three weeks ago, I had an opportunity to visit Harlow jobcentre, meet the fantastic work coaches there, and see the important work that they are doing to help people in Harlow get back into employment. Digital inclusion was one of the issues that they raised. Does the Minister agree that we need to look at how we can support people to get back to work, give them more face-to-face appointments, and help to provide training and digital skills when they need them? \p Stephen Timms: My hon. Friend is right. It is important to ensure that the tech that is available in jobcentres is appropriate for people’s needs. One element of the action plan is the launch this summer of an “IT reuse for good” charter, encouraging organisations to set up device donation schemes, because we think that they can play a helpful part as well.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

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Manuela Perteghella:What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Government’s proposed welfare reforms on financial inequalities experienced by disabled people. \p Stephen Timms: The hon. Member is right to raise this issue; the current system does track too many people in financial inequality. We want disabled people to have chances in work, which others have always taken for granted. We will invest an additional £1 billion a year by the end of the decade in work, health and skills support. \p Manuela Perteghella: I have spoken to several disabled constituents who are deeply fearful about the proposed cut to the limited capability for work and work-related activity element of universal credit. Research by Sense shows that one in four disabled people with complex needs could be pushed into debt if the changes go ahead. Will the Minister and his colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions review this damaging proposal? \p Stephen Timms: At the moment, there are 200,000 people out of work on health and disability grounds who would love to be in a job, and who say they could be in a job today if they had the support to make that possible for them. We are determined to provide them with that support. \p Anna Dixon: As the Minister knows, the personal independence payment is a passport benefit for carer’s allowance. The Government’s impact assessment suggests that approximately 150,000 family carers will lose out due to the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for PIP. What further analysis have the Government done of the financial impacts of welfare reform on family carers? \p Stephen Timms: We are consulting on the support that will be needed over the next few years for perhaps one in 10 of those currently claiming PIP. Support will be needed for those who lose their benefit, and that will include family carers who receive carer’s allowance at the moment.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

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Ian Sollom:If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. \p Bridget Phillipson: I am proud to be driving our opportunity mission, as part of this Government’s plan for change, to break the link between background and success. In our spending review, we announced that we are extending free school meals to all children with a parent on universal credit, lifting 100,000 children out of poverty by the end of the Parliament. That is the difference a Labour Government make. \p Ian Sollom: My constituent Theo, who is blind and a Braillist, has not received a single useable Braille past paper, despite being nearly a year into his A-levels, and reports that his GCSE papers last year contained so many errors that they were nearly impossible to use. Will the Minister take immediate action to ensure that exam boards fulfil their legal duty under the Equality Act 2010 to provide accessible examination materials, and urgently review Ofqual’s monitoring? \p Bridget Phillipson: I am concerned to hear of the experience of the hon. Gentleman’s constituent. If he provides me with some information, I can make sure that this is properly investigated.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-06-18e conversation_9

Adrian Ramsay:If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 18 June. \p Angela Rayner: I have been asked to reply, as my right hon. and learned Friend the Prime Minister has been attending the G7 summit in Canada. In an era of global instability, we are working with our partners to urge de-escalation in the middle east, to put pressure on Russia to agree to a ceasefire, and to deliver security renewal for the British people.

The Air India plane crash last week was devastating. Our thoughts and condolences are with everyone affected by this awful incident, and we are working closely with the Indian authorities to support those in need.

Nine years ago, we lost our beloved friend and colleague Jo Cox, who was a beacon of positivity and courage. Her legacy lives on. I must take this opportunity to also remember Sir David Amess, who is much missed by the whole House.

This Sunday marks Windrush Day. We celebrate the extraordinary contribution of the Windrush generation and their descendants to our country.

This morning, I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House, I shall have further such meetings later today. \p Adrian Ramsay: Given the strong consensus across this House on the importance of de-escalation of the deeply worrying conflict between Israel and Iran, does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that this House’s actions must match its words? Will she therefore give a commitment that before any further military support is given to the Israeli Government, whether it be the deployment of RAF jets or armed forces, her Government will first give MPs in this House a free vote on the matter? \p Angela Rayner: The situation in the middle east is fast-moving and deeply concerning, and there is clear potential for a significant and rapid worsening of the situation. In every step we take, we will always be guided by the safety of British nationals and the UK national interest. That is why we have deployed jets to the region, so that contingency support is in place for our armed forces personnel, and it is why we are asking British nationals to register their presence. We will keep all advice under review.
debates/debates2025-06-18e conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-06-18e conversation_12

Sarah Champion:Mr Deputy Speaker, I welcome the— I apologise, Mr Speaker—there are too many deputies in the place today.

I welcome the Government’s announcement on grooming gangs. I am sorry for stumbling; I have been floored by the point scoring going on around them—on all sides. I wonder whether the Deputy Prime Minister is aware that the victims and survivors of grooming gangs are being denied compensation by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority on bizarre technicalities, as are all children who have been victims of online abuse. For me, that is a grave injustice. The authority thinks it is better than a judge and jury. I wonder what the Deputy Prime Minister plans to do. Personally, I think it should be abolished. \p Angela Rayner: My hon. Friend is a long-standing advocate for child protection, and I pay tribute to her campaigning on these issues. We share her determination to do what is right for the victims and the survivors. We recognise that no sum of money can ever fully compensate for the horrors they have experienced. We are committed to funding efforts to tackle child sexual abuse in the future and support survivors to rebuild their lives—that is why we will make it easier for victims to make personal injury claims through the civil courts by removing the three-year time limit—and we are redoubling funding for therapeutic support  services. \p Carla Denyer: This Refugee Week is an opportunity for the House to show solidarity with those fleeing war, persecution and oppression. Compassion and welcome are core British values, but for decades the Home Office has been undermining those values, as my new report “No Way Home” shows, by treating migration as a crime rather than making it work for our communities and for newcomers. Will the Deputy Prime Minister read the report and consider its recommendation to remove migration from the responsibilities of the failing Home Office? \p Angela Rayner: I will commit to reading the hon. Lady’s report, because it is important that we take all information on these issues. We inherited an asylum system under exceptional strain, which costs up to £9 million a day. We will end the use of hotels through suitable self-sufficient accommodation for asylum seekers, minimising the impact on local communities, and we will protect and support asylum seekers while demonstrating value for taxpayers.
debates/debates2025-06-18e conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-06-18e conversation_13

Jodie Gosling:On  1 July, Warwickshire county council will permanently remove one of Nuneaton’s two fire engines. Its decision, based on dubious data that does not account for local factors such as high deprivation, does not accurately represent the current risk to residents. The cuts will put lives in Nuneaton in danger. Will the Deputy Prime Minister please look into this matter to confirm that there has been sufficient scrutiny and a thorough risk analysis to ensure safety for the good residents of Nuneaton? \p Angela Rayner: I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important issue, and I know that the fire Minister—the Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham North and Kimberley (Alex Norris)—will be happy to discuss it further. I am committed to ensuring that fire and rescue services across the country have the resources they need to keep communities safe. The deployment of fire engines, though, is decided locally, so this really is a question for Warwickshire county council, which is now led by Reform. The hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage) should have a word with his county councillors in Nuneaton and get them to explain why Reform is cutting fire services.
debates/debates2025-06-18e conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-06-18e conversation_14

Pete Wishart:I remember when the Deputy Prime Minister was a fierce critic of austerity and a proud champion for the disabled, but today her Government are introducing their £5 billion disability cuts Bill that will push another 250,000 people into poverty. Does she agree that everyone has the right to oppose such devastating cuts? Is it the Prime Minister’s intention to remove the Whip from any Labour MP who does the right thing and votes against these disability cuts? \p Angela Rayner: The hon. Member talks about austerity, but I gently say to him that we have given the biggest amount of increase to Scotland—[Interruption.] I have covered this point in an earlier question. We are absolutely committed to ending child poverty. We have already introduced free school meals, we are already supporting families and we have given a living wage rise to millions of workers that need it. We are getting on with the job of rebuilding Britain. The hon. Member has had decades of failure in Scotland, and it deserves better.
debates/debates2025-06-18e conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-06-18e conversation_15

Jonathan Davies:Derbyshire’s Derwent valley is the home of the industrial revolution and it is also now a UNESCO world heritage site. That community showed a Victorian sense of purpose that delivered improvements to people’s everyday lives. Can my right hon. Friend set out how the Government’s £39 billion investment in housing will instil that same drive while maintaining the unique character of the east midlands’ only UNESCO world heritage site? \p Angela Rayner: I know my hon. Friend is a champion for regeneration across his constituency, and he is working hard to get homes built in his patch for his constituents. Our plan for change will deliver the biggest boost for investment in social and affordable housing in a generation, and for the first time in recent memory, we will give providers in his constituency a   decade of certainty over the capital funding to build ambitious housing projects that honour Derbyshire’s history.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-06-18e conversation_16

Nick Timothy:The Home Secretary says that we should judge her success in smashing the gangs by whether the number of channel crossings falls, but under this Government the numbers are up by more than 30%. By which date should we judge the Home Secretary, and if she fails, will she be fired? \p Angela Rayner: The Conservatives continually vote against the measures that we are taking to smash the gangs. We are getting on with the job, working internationally to disrupt the abhorrent work of these smugglers and gangs, while the hon. Member harps on from the sidelines. He should apologise for their record in government, which was abysmal.
debates/debates2025-06-18e conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-06-18e conversation_17

Kirith Entwistle:Since becoming an MP, I have received thousands of pieces of casework from constituents who are stuck on social housing waiting lists. I recently had an email from a woman with severe mobility issues who is effectively trapped in her front room while she waits and waits for suitable social housing. Even when a home becomes available, she will be forced to compete with other residents because there simply are not enough affordable options. What will the recent new funding announced by the Government mean for my constituent and others like her who have already waited too long for a decent home? \p Angela Rayner: I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting that case. It is not an isolated case; we inherited a really dire situation and there are far too many people that do not have a safe and secure home that meets their needs. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor has announced record funding of almost double the level provided by the previous Government, who ended up handing back the cash for social and affordable homes. Labour’s plan for change is renewing our country and investing in Britain’s future. \p Lindsay Hoyle: I call the Father of the House.
debates/debates2025-06-18e conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: debates/debates2025-06-18e conversation_18

Edward Leigh:The Government quite rightly give full and unequivocal support to Israel in its bid to end the scourge of Iran’s nuclear weapons programme forever. Will they also work with our allies to try and convince the Israeli Government that it is not in the long-term security interests of Israel to carry on with this policy of illegal settlements in the west bank, which is simply leading to radicalisation and desperation throughout the region? Have not the overwhelming majority of Palestinian people the right to yearn for peace and security in their own homeland, as the Jews yearned for their homeland for 2,000 years? \p Angela Rayner: I thank the Father of the House for his important question. Settler violence and expansion in the west bank is appalling and completely unacceptable. Alongside our allies, we have sanctioned individuals responsible for inciting this extremist action, but a two-state solution is the only way to bring the  peace that the Israelis and the Palestinians deserve. That is only achievable if the hostages are released, aid is surged into Gaza and the ceasefire is restored. We will do everything we can to make that happen.