Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

First 1,000 Days of Life 2026-01-29

29 January 2026 · 3 other contributors

Opened by Paulette Hamilton Lab Birmingham Erdington

Children & FamiliesNHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Paulette Hamilton raised concerns about first 1,000 days of life 2026-01-29 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Health and Social Care Committee's fifth report highlights poor health outcomes, rising obesity, uneven vaccination coverage, and persistent inequalities in children.
  • The committee welcomes the government's expansion of family hubs but calls for more access to these services with reliable funding.
  • Paulette Hamilton emphasises the need for a holistic approach involving various professionals and agencies working together.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Paulette Hamilton Lab Birmingham Erdington

The Health and Social Care Committee's fifth report focuses on the first 1,000 days of a child's life. It highlights poor health outcomes in children, rising obesity, uneven vaccination coverage, and persistent inequalities. The committee welcomes government expansion of family hubs but calls for more access to these services with reliable funding, urging a funded plan to recruit at least 1,000 additional health visitors due to a shortfall of 5,000 posts since 2015. Paulette Hamilton emphasises the need for a holistic approach involving various professionals and agencies working together.

Other contributors (3)
  • Jen Craft Lab Thurrock

    Agrees with Paulette Hamilton that government recommendations must be followed to prevent undermining reforms in special educational needs and disabilities. Emphasises the importance of rebuilding the health visitor network and ensuring early intervention.

  • Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood

    Welcomes the call for a children’s health workforce strategy and asks how government can ensure availability of early years workforce. Raises concerns about accountability in delivering support for special educational needs and disabilities.

  • Danny Beales Lab Uxbridge and South Ruislip

    Highlights declining vaccination rates due to disinformation and lack of progress in implementing health visitor pilot projects. Urges restoration of 95% vaccination target and development of a new national strategy.

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