House of Commons · General Debate
22 October 2025 · 3 other contributors
Opened by Zubir Ahmed Con Glasgow South West
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Zubir Ahmed raised concerns about procurement, slavery and human trafficking regulations nhs 2025-10-22 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Moves to approve the draft National Health Service (Procurement, Slavery and Human Trafficking) Regulations 2025. Acknowledges cross-party support on modern slavery issues and cites the 2023 review which found that approximately one-fifth of NHS supply chains are at high risk of modern slavery. Emphasises the importance of ethical procurement practices and introduces landmark legislation to address modern slavery risks in NHS procurement processes.
Welcomes the regulations but raises concerns about practical implementation, including resource demands on public bodies, consistency of guidance, impact on businesses, and co-ordination across Government departments. Asks for clarity on how these issues will be addressed.
The Government acknowledges the importance of clear and joined-up action across departments to address risks of modern slavery, and supports the regulations as a step forward in ensuring ethical procurement practices within the NHS. They emphasise that these regulations will not only impact UK suppliers but also influence global supply chains.
Dr Ahmed reiterates the importance of proportionality when implementing new policies in the NHS and highlights ongoing interdepartmental discussions on ethical procurement practices. He assures businesses that adherence to these practices will be welcomed by the NHS, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to eliminating modern slavery through the use of the NHS's purchasing power.
Government Response
Presents the draft National Health Service (Procurement, Slavery and Human Trafficking) Regulations 2025, highlighting the need to eradicate modern slavery in NHS procurement processes. Explains that the regulations will require public bodies to assess modern slavery risks in their supply chains when procuring goods for the health service, enforce robust conditions of participation in supply chains, monitor suppliers' compliance, and mitigate instances of modern slavery immediately.
Shadow Response
Dr Caroline JohnsonQuestions the practical implementation of the regulations, including resource demands on NHS bodies, consistency of guidance, impact on businesses, and co-ordination across Government departments. Requests clarification on these issues from the Minister.