Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

NHS Workforce

06 December 2022 · 3 other contributors

Opened by Victoria Atkins Con Louth and Horncastle

EconomyEmploymentEnergyNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Victoria Atkins raised concerns about nhs workforce in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Minister stressed the Government's commitment to a strong economy to support the NHS.
  • The Minister mentioned an energy price guarantee to tackle inflation and protect public services.
  • The Minister announced independently verified workforce plans for doctors and nurses over various timelines.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Victoria Atkins Con Louth and Horncastle

The Minister emphasised the Government's commitment to maintaining a strong economy as essential for supporting the NHS. She highlighted measures taken in the autumn statement, such as introducing an energy price guarantee, which aims to tackle inflation and protect public services. The Minister also discussed workforce shortages, stating that the Government will produce independently verified plans for doctors and nurses over five, 10, and 15 years. Furthermore, she mentioned the boost in NHS funding by £3.3 billion next year and another £3.3 billion the following year to improve urgent and emergency care and elective performance.

Other contributors (3)
  • Victoria Atkins Con Louth and Horncastle

    The Minister praised NHS staff for their ongoing work and acknowledged that they have been through an unprecedented public health crisis. She also pointed out the significant increase in hospital doctors and nurses over recent years, noting a boost of 36,000 more hospital doctors and 38,000 more nurses and health visitors between May 2010 and August 2022. The Minister further discussed the need for better retention and productivity improvements within the NHS workforce.

  • Toby Perkins Lab Chesterfield

    The Labour MP raised a point of order regarding the lack of voting on Opposition days, which he saw as undermining the authority of the House of Commons. He mentioned that previously, all motions passed by the House were listened to and acted upon by the Government.

  • Rosie Winterton Lab unknown Constituency

    Responded to a point of order regarding Government participation in votes. Mentioned that motions such as the one recently passed are not binding, and it is up to individual Members and the Government whether they wish to participate in votes. Suggested raising this issue in business questions.

Shadow Response

James Murray

The shadow Minister's specific contributions or comments are not detailed in the provided text, aside from a brief reference to his florid language use during Finance Bill debates.

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