Contributions
2,121 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDTerminally Ill Adults (End of Life) BillMy Lords, as noble Lords are very aware, the Government remain neutral on the Bill and on the principle of assisted dying. This is a Private Member’s Bill, not government…24 Apr 2026HANSARDWomen’s Health StrategyI am glad that my noble friend, with her professional experience, welcomes the women’s health strategy. I assure her that community diagnostic centres are absolutely key, as I…23 Apr 2026HANSARDWomen’s Health StrategyI am pleased to confirm to the noble Baroness the date of 2030, which she rightly gave. I thank her for her welcome for the strategy and kind comments. On the matter of the…23 Apr 2026HANSARDWomen’s Health StrategyThat is an interesting invitation to consider. It would probably be helpful if I reiterate or explain better the points about the patient power payments. As I said in response to…23 Apr 2026HANSARDWomen’s Health StrategyI am very grateful, as ever, for that offer and the engagement of the noble Lord. To his point about Command Paper 1558, I do not think that is the year the first one or this one…23 Apr 2026HANSARDWomen’s Health StrategyThe whole point about the strategy is to ensure that the last point about a postcode lottery does not apply. Access to NHS Online will help hugely with that because it will not…23 Apr 2026HANSARDWomen’s Health StrategyI thank the noble Baroness. The noble Baroness, Lady Amos, has recently published an interim report. She has been meeting hundreds of families and the national call for evidence…23 Apr 2026HANSARDWomen’s Health StrategyI am sorry to hear of the experience my noble friend has had, and I am sure continues to have in some way. Her experience is reflective of so many women. The education programme…23 Apr 2026HANSARDWomen’s Health StrategyI thank the noble Lord and the noble Baroness on the Front Benches for their warm welcome for this renewed women’s health strategy. It represents a major shift in this country…23 Apr 2026HANSARDWomen’s Health StrategyI would be pleased to. This is an important point because MSK conditions disproportionately affect women. We are investing in diagnosis, and this financial year we are funding 21…23 Apr 2026HANSARDWomen’s Health StrategyI thank my noble friend for echoing the warm response we have had from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and from a number of the other royal colleges. I put…23 Apr 2026HANSARDHealth and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2026That the draft Regulations laid before the House on 26 February be approved. Relevant document: 54th Report from the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee . Considered in Grand…21 Apr 2026HANSARDMidwives: Graduate GuaranteeThe issue is more a misalignment of numbers than a straightforward shortage, as the number of midwives has increased. There was a 2.6% increase in January 2026 compared to the…21 Apr 2026HANSARDMidwives: Graduate GuaranteeThat is the very reason why we have brought in this guarantee, because it provides an immediate route into employment for those who are newly qualified. A number of things about…21 Apr 2026HANSARDMidwives: Graduate GuaranteeI was about to answer the noble Lord’s first question by talking about retention and then he helpfully raised retention. Retention rates for existing midwives are improving, as is…21 Apr 2026HANSARDCancer Outcomes in the UKMy Lords, I congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Patel, on securing this excellent debate. I thank him for bringing his considerable expertise and careful consideration—as he always…21 Apr 2026HANSARDMidwives: Graduate GuaranteeOn the second point, the noble Baroness is quite right: it is important that midwives have that time. That is what we anticipate will be the case—I refer her to the forthcoming…21 Apr 2026HANSARDMidwives: Graduate GuaranteeAgain, I refer to the forthcoming 10-year health and care workforce plan, which will take a multidisciplinary approach. I certainly share the noble Baroness’s views about the…21 Apr 2026HANSARDMidwives: Graduate GuaranteeThrough NHS England’s student movement tool, forecasting on the workforce and national analysis are being undertaken to assess the areas of risk—my noble friend is right to raise…21 Apr 2026HANSARDMidwives: Graduate GuaranteeMy Lords, the graduate guarantee creates additional temporary registered midwife roles and enables newly qualified midwives to apply to join the NHS workforce. This supports the…21 Apr 2026