International Men’s Day

Opens the debate by acknowledging his lack of prior experience in discussing issues specific to boys' and men's health. He emphasises the importance of recognising gender inequality as a problem affecting everyone, not just women. He cites concerning statistics regarding premature death, alcohol addiction, homelessness, suicide, imprisonment, and violent crime among men.

Intervenes to highlight the high number of suicides among young men under 18 in Northern Ireland over the past five years. He notes that almost 5,000 young men have committed suicide, which is concerning.

Compliments Sam Rushworth on his initiative and questions whether young men are vulnerable to negative online role models. He suggests that older men should provide positive role models for younger men to talk about issues.

Congratulates Sam Rushworth on securing the debate and criticises the lack of Conservative presence in the Chamber. She highlights various charities working with men and boys, including barbers who encourage young customers to talk about issues such as timekeeping. She provides statistics on prostate cancer deaths and male suicide rates. Dawn Butler also discusses the growing number of involuntary celibates (incels) and their negative impact on society.

I rise to balance the Benches and stand up for men—Members on the Government Benches cannot have it all their own way. I recently visited the Aylsham men’s shed, about two weeks ago, which welcomes women as well as men. This debate has helped me reflect on what it means to be a man. Men are less good at and prepared to focus on and invest time in the soft relationships that go into making a personal community. I have learned a lot from this debate and am grateful for the Backbench Business Committee and the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Sam Rushworth) for organising it. The Aylsham community shed is in a shared space in the high school, which brings challenges, but they are welcoming organisations that provide support to men of all ages. While these organisations rely on their communities for funding and accommodation, I encourage everyone to support them.

I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Bishop Auckland (Sam Rushworth) on securing this debate. Prostate cancer impacts one in eight men, with early diagnosis crucial for survival rates. Geographically, late diagnosis is concentrated in some areas such as Scotland and the north-east of England, and black men are 2.5 times more likely to die from prostate cancer than white men due to lower access to diagnosis. We need a Government plan to improve screening and reduce disproportionate impacts for black men. I also discuss the threat created by far-right online influencers who weaponise masculinity, leading to radicalisation including misogyny, racism and homophobia among young men. We should recognise this threat and defend our young people from it.

The speaker highlighted several issues affecting men, including mental health, suicide rates, homelessness, and farming. He emphasised that men are three times more likely than women to die by suicide and discussed the importance of organisations like Emmaus Hampshire, Winchester Beacon, Trinity Winchester, Farming Community Network, and LooseHeadz in addressing these problems. Chambers also acknowledged the role of women in encouraging men to seek help for health issues and called for more research into endometriosis.

I associate myself with the tributes paid to Lord Prescott. In my 10 years in this House, men have made a significant difference through their work in constituencies and surgeries. I thank Sam Rushworth for securing this debate on behalf of His Majesty’s official Opposition. It is an opportunity to support our menfolk—dads, brothers, husbands, sons, grandsons, uncles, grandads, father figures, male friends, and allies. ManKind supports male victims of domestic violence; MANUP focuses on male mental health; CALM supports men's mental health as well as prostate and testicular cancers. Groups like the Uckfield men’s shed and Burgess Hill men’s shed make a big difference in communities.

He made an intervention about the impact of male suicide, especially that of young men.

She talked about rights not being a zero-sum game and the importance of places like barbershops for conversation.

He paid tribute to the environment created by Men’s Sheds and discussed the importance of groups in his community.

He talked about men’s health matters, the bravery of men talking about emotion, and tackling transphobia. Social media challenges are also addressed.

He discussed the men who have stepped up in Ukraine, the work during war and sacrifices made, as well as the challenges of social media and tackling transphobia.

She spoke about true equality and valuing the community by the action of men.

He talked about tackling male stereotypes.

He made a thoughtful speech about life as a young gay man and the importance of diversity in expectations.

He pointed out issues like farmers and loneliness, gambling addiction, substance abuse, divorce, bereavement, career issues, money worries, job losses, body image, and the need for spaces to talk.

Celebrated International Men’s Day and discussed the positive contributions men make. Acknowledged Lord Prescott's tireless campaigning on issues like worker’s rights and mental health. Noted a constructive debate focusing on health, suicide, crime, education, entertainment, and the influence of social media. Emphasised the need for more support services, especially for young men facing body image pressures and targeted by extremists. Highlighted the importance of mental health care access in schools and recruitment of new mental health workers. Mentioned various organisations working on prostate cancer awareness and suicide prevention, like Second Step’s Hope Project in Bristol. Discussed the Government's commitment to reducing health inequalities and tackling addictions through increased funding for drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services.

Mentioned prostate cancer awareness and discussed the harmful subculture of incel, advocating against misogyny and extremism targeting young men. Highlighted the need for positive role models to combat negative social pressures.

Discussed volunteer groups in his constituency, such as Aylsham Men's Shed, emphasising their importance in providing support for men’s health and wellbeing.

Focussed on young men who are targeted by extremists with misogynistic content. Advocated for restoring hope among youth and helping them achieve their goals through positive role models and mental health support.

Focused on trans men and the need to address transphobia, underlining the Government's commitment to ensuring trans people receive adequate care in NHS services. Mentioned the engagement with LGBT+ health advisers.

Discussed the importance of men talking about their mental and physical health needs from paternity leave to veteran support, highlighting various services available for different age groups.

Tackled stereotypes by citing examples like the inclusion of choirs in rugby teams. Highlighted suicide prevention initiatives and mental health support in his constituency, emphasising the importance of positive male role models.

Talked about stereotypes and their pressure on men’s lives, focusing on suicide prevention and mental health services, encouraging more open dialogue about these issues.

As a vet, advised the importance of regular health checks for farmers who are now opening up about their health. Emphasised prostate cancer awareness and urged men to get checked regularly.

Expressed gratitude for the respectful debate, acknowledged contributions from other Members on voluntary work and charities in their communities. Noted the importance of social emotional learning on the curriculum and positive masculinity in classrooms. Emphasised the significance of strengthening the charity sector and called for a mental health Minister.