Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Wednesday 5 November 2025 · 6 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Gill Furniss raised concerns about the urgent need for reform in endometriosis care, citing long wait times for diagnosis and lack of system support for patients.
  • Claire Coutinho inquired about the delay in releasing EHRC guidance on single-sex spaces following the Supreme Court ruling on biological sex definitions.
  • Dr Simon Opher asked the Minister to support a volunteer group called Night Angels, which patrols streets and trains to ensure safety for young women.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gill Furniss Lab Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
NHS
Context

Young women are experiencing long wait times for endometriosis diagnosis, some waiting over a decade. The Government has committed to updating the women's health strategy.

Question

Endometriosis care is in urgent need of reform. Too many young women have waited more than a decade for a diagnosis and share horror stories with me as their symptoms are not taken seriously by the system. Given the Government’s commitment to update the women’s health strategy, can the Minister confirm that menstrual health conditions such as endometriosis will be prioritised?

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

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for all her campaigning on this issue. We are committed to prioritising women’s health. We have commissioned studies focused on endometriosis diagnosis, treatment, and patient experience, alongside six research trials totalling an investment of approximately £5.8 million. This will be part of our 10-year health plan.

Answered
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Q2 Claire Coutinho Con East Surrey
Women & Equalities
Context

The Supreme Court ruled that sex means biological sex, affirming women’s rights. There are concerns about the delay in releasing guidance.

Question

In January, the Supreme Court ruled that sex means biological sex—a victory for women’s rights. However, there is concern over delays in releasing Equality and Human Rights Commission's (EHRC) guidance despite no legal changes being necessary. Will the Minister release this guidance to ensure women’s rights are protected?

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

We are committed to protecting single-sex spaces. The Supreme Court ruling provides clarity, which providers should follow. We are working through the EHRC’s code of practice. Any suggestion of delay is incorrect; we must consult devolved Governments. A full regulatory impact assessment has not been required.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline or release date for guidance

How: Delay, Consultation

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Q3 Laurence Turner Lab Birmingham Northfield
Education
Context

Public awareness levels for dyspraxia are still low, despite it being a common condition.

Question

Dyspraxia is a common condition but public awareness is too low. Does the Minister agree more needs to be done across Government and society to raise awareness?

Answer from The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)

Yes, I do. We want a more inclusive society supporting neurodivergent people, including those with dyspraxia, to thrive. Across Government, we are working on earlier intervention in schools through the partnerships for inclusion of neurodiversity programme and special educational needs reforms.

Answered
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Q4 Edward Morello Lib Dem West Dorset
Education Children & Families
Context

Children with special educational needs and disabilities face difficulties accessing education due to rural nature of the area.

Question

Due to West Dorset’s rural nature, children with special educational needs and disabilities have difficulty accessing education. A young girl who had a stroke lost her transport two days before starting school. Will the Minister work across Departments to solve this issue?

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

We recognise the concern raised by the hon. Gentleman, which many Members have highlighted. We will set out plans to improve the system through the schools White Paper. Contributions from the hon. Gentleman and his colleagues are welcome as we prioritise children's interests.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or timelines for addressing rural SEND access issues

How: Planning

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Q5 Simon Opher Lab Stroud
Women & Equalities
Context

The Night Angels volunteer group provides safety for young women in Stroud.

Question

A volunteer group called the Night Angels patrols streets and trains to provide safety for young women. Will the Minister support this group? Would she like to join us on a patrol wearing their pink fluorescent jackets?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)

The Minister for Women and Equalities is already wearing a pink jacket. I pay tribute to the group in my hon. Friend’s constituency. The Under-Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Davies-Jones, will visit Stroud soon and offer to wear the pink jacket on our behalf.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Minister's direct involvement with Night Angels patrols

How: Delegation

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Q6 Alison Griffiths Con Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
NHS Education Benefits & Welfare
Context

Deaf individuals face fragmented systems in health, education, and welfare that create barriers.

Question

Meeting with representatives from the Royal National Institute for Deaf People highlighted issues faced by deaf people navigating siloed health, education, and welfare systems. What steps is the Minister taking to coordinate cross-departmental support for deaf individuals?

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

The hon. Lady raises an important point. I would be happy to arrange a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss her concerns, ensuring action is taken across Government to address them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Immediate actions or plans for coordination

How: Future Planning

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