← Back to House of Commons Debates
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
Lead MP
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
NHSEmployment
Other Contributors: 44
At a Glance
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting raised concerns about medical training (prioritisation) bill 2026-01-27 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announces the Medical Training Prioritisation Bill to address workforce problems in the NHS. He acknowledges progress but notes that staff morale remains too low. The bill aims to prioritise UK medical graduates over international applicants for training positions. This move is driven by an increase from 12,000 to nearly 40,000 applicants for 9,000 specialty training places this year, with nearly twice as many overseas-trained applicants than UK-trained ones. The bill seeks to reduce the competition faced by UK graduates and retain them within the NHS system after their training funded by £4 billion in taxpayer money annually.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Question
The Secretary of State is essentially talking about postgraduate training. I wonder what thought he has given to new clause 2 in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Dr Spencer). Merit has been entirely removed from the system. Does he have any sympathy for returning to a merit-based system?
Minister reply
I certainly do have sympathy with that argument. We have begun to move the system in the right direction by giving applicants greater preference in placements, but an amendment to the Bill is not the right vehicle to address this issue.
Freddie van Mierlo
Lib Dem
Henley and Thame
Question
A constituent of mine studying medicine at Queen Mary University of London’s Malta campus wants reassurance that graduates like him will be prioritised on the NHS foundation medical training programme.
Minister reply
Students studying in Malta will not be prioritised in the Bill, but they will still be able to make applications. The university’s website is clear that it does not administer the UK foundation programme and cannot control whether applicants are accepted into the programme.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
(Intervention request, no specific question provided in transcript.)
Minister reply
I will make some progress because I have not yet set out the measures that we are to debate today.
Hitchin
Question
The Secretary of State shares my residents’ utter disbelief at how UK medical graduates, educated at taxpayers' expense, were suddenly forced to compete with overseas students, pushing many abroad for their careers and losing a big talent pool that should power our NHS.
Minister reply
That is right. Many counterparts around the world cannot fathom how we ended up in this situation where investment in home-grown talent results in it competing on equal terms with anyone from anywhere else in the world.
Seamus Logan
SNP
Aberdeenshire North and Moray East
Question
The SNP welcomes the Bill but raises concerns about significant challenges for supporting retention of individuals, particularly in specialty fields like general practice. The new requirement for settled status is 10 years with some exceptions, whereas training programmes are often only three years long.
Minister reply
This Bill does not detract from the NHS being an overseas recruiter and we will continue to welcome global talent contributing to our health service. Future applications on terms fairer to home-grown talent will be supported.
Murrison
Con
Question
The Bill is basically a good one, and we all share the intent to encourage home-grown talent to remain in our national health service, so could the Health Secretary explain why he appears to have set his face against British students who for various reasons train at, for example, St George’s in Cyprus or St George’s in Grenada and who then want to come back and practise in our national health service? They want to come back and practise at home. Amendment 9 would deal with that conundrum. Why will he not support it?
Minister reply
We set UK medical school places based on future health system needs. We cannot control how many places the overseas campus universities create, whether they are UK-based universities or not. Prioritising those graduates in the way suggested would undermine sustainable workforce planning and fair access.
Ben Coleman
Lab
Chelsea and Fulham
Question
I associate myself with the remarks of my hon. Friend about Malta. As a member of the Health and Social Care Committee, I have also been approached by Queen Mary University. It seems to me that we should be approaching this with a sense of fairness, and if students have entered into a GMC-recognised course with the expectation of having priority access for foundation status, we should accept that those who are currently in training still enjoy that, even if we change the rules for people who enter those courses in the future. Is that something that my right hon. Friend will consider?
Minister reply
The position is founded on fairness. The universities cannot guarantee places and overseas applicants studying at UK universities’ overseas campuses can still apply. However, when it comes to prioritisation, we are prioritising UK-trained medical graduates from UK-based universities who have undertaken their training here in the UK.
Gregory Stafford
Con
Farnham and Bordon
Question
The Secretary of State mentioned the need for more medical staff across the world and, of course, in this country as well. At the general election, he pledged to double the number of medical school places by 2030. Is that still a commitment, and how far has he got with it?
Minister reply
As shadow Health Secretary, I proposed doubling the number of undergraduate medical school places. That policy was poached by the then Conservative Government who made modest progress with it. We are revising their long-term workforce plan as we speak.
Alison Bennett
Lib Dem
Mid Sussex
Question
The Secretary of State rightly notes that there is international competition for healthcare talent. On Friday, I met Dr Osoba, a GP who trains future GPs. She told me how disheartening it is to train future GPs whose intention is to leave the UK. What is the Secretary of State doing to ensure that British-trained medics stay working in the NHS?
Minister reply
The Bill aims to address this issue by reducing competition for specialty places from around four to one to less than two to one, making it more likely that people who have undertaken their training here will stay and contribute to the NHS.
Anneliese Dodds
Lab Co-op
Oxford East
Question
My question relates to exactly that issue. The Secretary of State will be aware, because I have written to his Department about it a number of times, that many disabled medics face a particular challenge. They may have had to take time out of their training because of a medical condition. They are told that they can obtain a certificate of readiness to enter specialty training and go into a training specialism, but the computer says no and NHS England is not sorting this out. Will he please get a personal grip on this and fix it for my constituents?
Minister reply
I am certainly aware of the concerns raised by my right hon. Friend and will report back to her on progress.
Aphra Brandreth
Con
Chester South and Eddisbury
Question
It is vital that we address this issue to ensure that UK-trained doctors are prioritised for vacancies over international applicants—the Secretary of State is making important points about that. We need those places to be opened up for UK medics immediately, so will he explain why the Bill will not come into force immediately after Royal Assent but instead includes provision for it to come into force on such day or days as the Secretary of State may by regulations appoint?
Minister reply
The Bill is important and needs to be workable. A number of factors may interrupt our ability to move at the pace required, including ongoing risk of industrial action, which could disrupt the system's readiness.
Simon Opher
Lab
Stroud
Question
Commended the speed of bringing legislation to Parliament, raising concerns about disquiet among international medical graduates and asking for reassurance that they are welcome in the NHS.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the contribution of international medical graduates and assured them of their continued importance while highlighting the shift towards prioritising UK-trained resident doctors.
Sarah Pochin
Reform
Runcorn and Helsby
Question
Asked for a commitment to prioritise UK-trained resident doctors ahead of those trained abroad, expressing support for the Bill.
Minister reply
Gave assurance that the Bill prioritises UK-trained residents but also noted with some criticism that Reform's support was similar to former Conservative MPs who helped create the system.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Question
Sought reassurance regarding medical students from Northern Ireland who study in Irish institutions and asked about the impact of delays on planning in NHS trusts.
Minister reply
Assured that medical graduates from UK and Ireland will not be excluded, confirming that the Bill covers them. Stressed the need for Royal Assent by 5 March to avoid disruptions.
Layla Moran
LD
Oxford West and Abingdon
Question
Asked when the workforce plan would be published, which had been delayed.
Minister reply
Explained that more time was taken to get it right according to requests from royal colleges, trade unions, and clinical leaders. The workforce plan will be published in spring.
Alex McIntyre
Lab
Gloucester
Question
Welcomed the legislation and asked if the Government's actions showed commitment to fixing problems left by the Conservative government.
Minister reply
Agreed with his hon. Friend, noting that bringing forward such legislation quickly is challenging given their packed legislative programme but stressing cooperation with BMA despite ongoing disputes.
Preet Kaur Gill
Labour Co-operative
Birmingham Edgbaston
Question
The Bill prioritises UK graduates, but the surge in overseas-trained doctors applying for training posts raises concerns about fairness and the return on taxpayer investment. What steps will be taken to ensure that this legislation is fair and delivers on its promises?
Minister reply
Not provided in the transcript.
Robert Jenrick
Con
Question
Does she agree that we need to add to the priority list British nationals who are training in medical schools outside of the UK?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State set out his position, and the issue under discussion is about securing training places for UK trainees. The NHS values international staff but needs a long-term domestic workforce plan.
Helen Morgan
Lib Dem
North Shropshire
Question
The Liberal Democrats support the Bill, but have concerns about its implementation and real-world consequences for the NHS, patients, and doctors. The NHS has a deep workforce shortage, with crises in some specialties. Will the Minister confirm when a detailed long-term workforce plan will be delivered?
Minister reply
The Government is committed to addressing the issue of workforce shortages through prioritising UK-trained doctors. A comprehensive long-term workforce plan is necessary and will address regional needs and health demands.
Helen Morgan
Lib Dem
North Shropshire
Question
The Liberal Democrats have tabled amendments requiring parliamentary scrutiny for future changes to eligibility criteria through the positive procedure. Will the Minister confirm whether international doctors already working in the NHS will be deprioritised mid-cycle?
Minister reply
The Bill allows for prioritisation at the offer stage, but it is important to ensure that these changes do not impact patient safety and continuity of care.
Helen Morgan
Lib Dem
North Shropshire
Question
What is the expected impact on NHS service provision if doctors who are deprioritised during the application process decide to leave en masse?
Minister reply
The Government will monitor the implementation closely and work with integrated care boards to ensure that access to training matches regional workforce needs and health demands.
Helen Morgan
Lib Dem
North Shropshire
Question
What is the impact of the Bill on universities offering medical degrees elsewhere in the world?
Minister reply
The Government will ensure that changes do not unfairly affect graduates from UK and Irish medical schools, as these graduates are an essential part of the NHS workforce.
Jack Abbott
Labour/Co-op
Ipswich
Question
This Bill is about fairness, protecting taxpayers’ money, and building a sustainable home-grown NHS workforce. Since 2019, competition for postgraduate training places has increased dramatically. What measures will the Government take to address these challenges?
Minister reply
The Government will prioritise UK-trained doctors to secure training places and ensure that those who have trained here can become the next generation of doctors in our health service.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Question
The MP discusses the Bill's treatment of symptoms rather than curing fundamental issues, mentioning a creeping de-professionalisation of the medical profession. He also criticises the current system that does not provide doctors with autonomy over their training placements and highlights the need for trusts to offer flexible working options based on local needs.
Minister reply
The Minister emphasises the importance of merit-based allocation but acknowledges the deeper systemic issues highlighted by Dr Spencer, indicating a willingness to focus on these issues as the Bill progresses through Parliament.
Lewis Atkinson
Lab
Sunderland Central
Question
Welcomes the Government's legislation and sees it as part of a longer-term approach to ensure an NHS workforce that is fit for the future. He expresses support but does not provide specific questions or criticisms.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Inquires about the possibility of implementing a system similar to Wales, where health services pay students’ fees and train them with an obligation to stay in Northern Ireland. He raises concerns about losing trained staff due to personal circumstances.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the merit in the proposal but suggests that it is pertinent to consider wider workforce planning, including socioeconomic background and regional variations in specialist training fill rates.
Question
Discusses the importance of medical workforce reflecting society, particularly working-class communities. Mentions initiatives by institutions like the University of Sunderland to widen access and highlights the need for these students to be prioritised for foundation and specialty training.
Minister reply
Emphasises the importance of retaining talent nurtured in UK-based institutions, ensuring they are given priority in NHS training posts to strengthen workforce planning. He notes regional variations such as GP recruitment challenges and calls for changes in line with the Bill.
Katie Lam
Con
Weald of Kent
Question
Highlights the unusual set-up of the NHS workforce where the Government controls both supply and demand, welcomes legislation that gives priority to British-trained doctors for training posts.
Layla Moran
LD
Oxford West and Abingdon
Question
The Bill addresses the need to prioritise UK-trained doctors but it is crucial that we also consider how this will affect medical students like Marco, who fear unemployment due to an inability to secure a training position. Yasmin, another constituent, has pointed out the difficulties in securing positions after completing her foundation programme and the subsequent need for non-medical jobs just to survive.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged the concerns raised by Layla Moran regarding the impact of the current system on medical students and recent graduates like Marco and Yasmin. The focus remains on ensuring that future reforms prioritise UK-trained doctors, thereby providing greater certainty and reducing uncertainties for those at the start of their careers.
Question
The MP's question or point about the policy, including their concern and local impact. 2-4 sentences.
Minister reply
The minister's response to THIS specific MP. Include commitments, rebuttals, additional details relevant to the question asked. 2-4 sentences.
Gregory Stafford
Con
Farnham and Bordon
Question
At the heart of the Bill is a simple test: does the Bill improve care for patients? Every delay in training, every cancelled clinic and every rota gap caused by workforce instability ultimately lands on the patient. It means longer waits, greater travel distances and, in too many cases, care that comes too late... Despite this, industrial action has continued. It is increasingly clear that the BMA is determined to extract every possible concession from the Government, using sustained disruption as leverage... If a measure will improve the NHS for patients and doctors alike, it should be implemented because it is right, not because it is tactically useful.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Question
Asks for assurance regarding the drafting of amendment 9, which was tabled by members of His Majesty’s official Opposition. Concerned about the potential impact on Northern Ireland and the administrative burden it might place on local bodies.
Peter Prinsley
Lab
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Question
Welcomes the Government’s plan to change the law, highlighting the challenges faced by young doctors due to increased competition for limited training places. Emphasises the need for proper accommodation and support for these doctors.
Beccy Cooper
Lab
Worthing West
Question
Welcomes the Bill, noting the importance of workforce planning and the recognition of healthcare professionals as part of a global workforce. Acknowledges the mutual learning from this arrangement.
Simon Opher
Lab
Stroud
Question
I am a public health consultant and the public health workforce is exempt from this Bill's prioritisation. We need to ensure that UK graduates do not face issues faced by their medical colleagues, while maintaining an international mix in public health.
Jessica Toale
Lab
Bournemouth West
Question
This Bill is crucial for my constituency where the NHS is a major employer. The previous Government's visa changes have led to UK graduates being squeezed out of training opportunities, with too many lost to private sectors or overseas. We must prioritise domestic graduates as other countries do.
Josh Newbury
Lab
Cannock Chase
Question
This Bill is about fairness for doctors who train in this country and patients relying on the NHS workforce. The previous Government's visa changes have led to British-trained doctors facing huge barriers, turning to jobs abroad or within the private sector.
Vikki Slade
LD
Mid Dorset and North Poole
Question
I have concerns about residents like George and Dennis, British citizens who trained abroad but may not be included in the Bill's measures. Should they be included within the second tier of graduates from places like Iceland?
Minister reply
We need to prioritise graduates from UK medical schools as part of a sustainable domestic workforce plan. While it is important to welcome international healthcare professionals, we must ensure that British citizens are not disadvantaged in their career progression.
Poole
Question
My constituent Dr Khan, an overseas-trained doctor working in Poole General Hospital's emergency department, is concerned about the impact of these changes mid-cycle. Will you consider providing transitional protections for 2026 and using NHS experience as a metric instead of immigration status?
Minister reply
We are committed to a sustainable domestic medical workforce but recognise the need for fairness. We will review specific cases involving British citizens trained abroad and look into implementing any new criteria prospectively rather than mid-cycle changes.
Helen Maguire
Lib Dem
Epsom and Ewell
Question
MP asked for clarification on the timing of the Bill’s implementation, emphasising the need for clear routes and certainty for young doctors and their families. She expressed concern about potential delays and uncertainty.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the importance of clarity and consistency in workforce planning but did not provide a specific timeline due to ongoing consultations with stakeholders.
The Member for South Antrim
Robin Swann
Question
Questions the inclusion of Irish doctors under prioritisation, suggesting a potential conflict with devolved institutions' autonomy in Northern Ireland.
Minister reply
Clarifies that Ireland is included due to its long-standing relationship and similar epidemiology. Acknowledges collaboration with officials from Northern Ireland on this issue.
The Member for Oxford West and Abingdon
Nic Dakin
Question
Raises concerns about the definition of prioritisation for training posts.
Minister reply
Explains that for 2023, immigration status is used as a proxy for experience. For 2027, new regulations will be introduced to refine criteria based on NHS experience.
The Member for Weald of Kent
Katie Lam
Question
Discusses the impact of lifting visa restrictions in 2020 and the resulting damage to staff morale.
Minister reply
Acknowledges that removing visa restrictions has led to negative consequences, including cynicism among young NHS staff. Urges colleagues to support this legislation for recovery.
The Member for Ipswich
Jack Abbott
Question
Raises concerns about the personal impact on medical students who might feel their careers are better served abroad.
Minister reply
Emphasises the importance of retaining top talent within the UK. Encourages young people to rebuild the NHS in Britain rather than emigrating.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.