Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Government Mission on Opportunity: Equality

Wednesday 7 May 2025 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government have established a neuro-divergence taskforce to support better mainstream inclusion and specialist provision for children with dyslexia and ADHD.
  • This Government have expanded workers' rights, including increased paternity pay and expanded childcare provision.
  • The Minister agrees that improving women's health will help women overcome barriers to work and supports the hon. Friend's campaigning work in this area.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Juliet Campbell Lab Broxtowe
Education
Context

Under the previous government, inequality increased and students with special educational needs were further disadvantaged. Dyslexic students and those with ADHD in Broxtowe have faced delays and misdiagnosis.

Question

What steps is the Minister taking to support young people with dyslexia and ADHD to ensure that they succeed?

Answer from The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)

The Government have established a neuro-divergence taskforce—an expert group that will support us to deliver better mainstream inclusion, while ensuring that we have more specialist provision for children who need it. We have also commissioned work from University College London on the most effective tools and strategies to support children with a wide range of needs.

Answered
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Q2 Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath
Employment Women & Equalities
Context

The lack of affordable childcare is a key factor driving the gender pay gap. High-quality early years education and childcare are essential for parents.

Question

Will the Government consider increasing paternity pay to 90% of earnings, with a cap for higher earners?

Answer from The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)

This Government have expanded workers’ rights, and are making sure that new mums and dads can spend more precious time with their young family. We have also expanded childcare provision and more than doubled the early years pupil premium.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address whether paternity pay would be increased to 90% of earnings, but mentioned expanding workers’ rights.

How: Did Not Directly Answer

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Q3 Sarah Owen Lab Luton North
Women & Equalities
Context

Women missing work due to endometriosis, ovarian cysts and other complications cost the economy £11 billion a year. Fixing this would save more than double the amount that is to be spent on proposed welfare cuts for disabled people.

Question

Does the Minister agree that improving women’s health will break down a huge barrier to work?

Answer from The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)

I agree with my hon. Friend the Chair of the Select Committee, and I pay tribute to her for all her campaigning work in the important area of women’s health. The Government recognise the terrible impact that these conditions can have on women’s ability to work and live their lives as they should. We are committed to implementing a women’s health strategy as part of the 10-year plan.

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Q4 Josh Babarinde Lib Dem Eastbourne
NHS
Context

East Sussex Hearing is a charity that supports people with hearing disabilities to break barriers to opportunity through provision of life-changing hearing equipment and support. It seeks to work with the local hospital trust and integrated care board.

Question

Will the Minister back its efforts to engage with the trust and ICB to help bring its charitable services to more people?

Answer from The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)

That sounds like a sensible and constructive suggestion. I will ensure that the views of the hon. Gentleman’s constituents are shared with colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care, so that they can provide further advice on how that might best be taken forward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not explicitly commit to backing East Sussex Hearing's efforts but committed to sharing views.

How: Did Not Directly Answer

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