Contributions
1,737 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDChildren’s Hospices: FundingThe Government and NHS England recognise the vital role that hospices play in delivering high-quality, personalised palliative and end-of-life care for all ages. The children and…14 Nov 2023HANSARDChildren’s Hospices: FundingAs I mentioned, it is a statutory requirement for every ICB. NHS England is responsible and is reviewing those arrangements in all 42 trusts. At the same time, this is an element…14 Nov 2023HANSARDKing’s SpeechMy Lords, on behalf of all noble Lords, I thank His Majesty for his gracious Speech. I am truly honoured to be a Minister in his Government and to open this debate. I always said…09 Nov 2023HANSARDUltra-processed FoodThat is absolutely right. We should always base this on the science. I thank my noble friend for that comment.26 Oct 2023HANSARDUltra-processed FoodMy noble friend makes a good point. I gave an example of where it had affected my own behaviour. I am sure we all have examples of when we have looked at the menu and thought,…26 Oct 2023HANSARDUltra-processed FoodThat is absolutely correct. My understanding is that ultra-processed foods make up, on average, 60% of a person’s diet. If you were to try a blanket ban, it would have a massive…26 Oct 2023HANSARDUltra-processed FoodTo take the second question first, the industry has worked with a lot of comments on reformulation across the board—for younger children and older ones. Noble Lords will remember…26 Oct 2023HANSARDUltra-processed FoodThe noble Lord makes a very good point. A healthy start to life is vital, which is why I am very pleased to say that we have the highest level of free school meals ever, with…26 Oct 2023HANSARDUltra-processed FoodAbsolutely—we have to be understanding of the latest research in cause and effect. The evidence I have been shown so far is that it is about the features within those…26 Oct 2023HANSARDUltra-processed FoodThe rationale was very clear. The measures that we introduced by the modelling showed that in what we were trying to do we were attacking the things that cause 95% of the…26 Oct 2023HANSARDUltra-processed FoodI have said many times that the prize is reformulation. I do not think that any of us should have a problem per se with the food if the bad stuff is taken out. Diet Coke is a…26 Oct 2023HANSARDUltra-processed FoodObserved associations between ultra-processed food and health are concerning, but it is unclear whether these foods are inherently unhealthy due to processing or their nutritional…26 Oct 2023HANSARDSuicide Prevention StrategyThe actions in the new suicide prevention strategy for England are informed by the existing and emerging evidence, by engagement with people with expertise in suicide prevention,…26 Oct 2023HANSARDSuicide Prevention StrategyAbsolutely. I would be happy to write to the noble Baroness.26 Oct 2023HANSARDSuicide Prevention StrategyYes. Effective bereavement support comes into this in a similar way. There are a number of communication methods, which I will happily share in writing so that noble Lords can see…26 Oct 2023HANSARDSuicide Prevention StrategyThe noble Lord is absolutely correct. The priority groups identified include people in the justice system for exactly that reason; likewise, as I mentioned, middle-aged men, who…26 Oct 2023HANSARDSuicide Prevention StrategyAbsolutely. It is my understanding that all front-line DWP staff have two days of mental health training in precisely this area. Also, their stated objective is to support people…26 Oct 2023HANSARDSuicide Prevention StrategyWe are definitely always looking to improve, get access to better data and learn lessons from that. I will make sure that that is understood and follow up with DWP Ministers…26 Oct 2023HANSARDSuicide Prevention StrategyWhat the strategy is trying to do is to look at those high risk groups and the risk factors behind them. One of the biggest risk factors causing suicidal thoughts are financial…26 Oct 2023HANSARDSuicide Prevention StrategyYes, and I had the opportunity, because I used to be the lead NED at DWP, to go along to a number of jobcentres and see the sorts of work that they do. They have two things. They…26 Oct 2023