Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Access to Mental Health Services

Tuesday 24 February 2026 · 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 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Meg Hillier inquired about innovative approaches to improve access to mental health services, highlighting the work of Mind in Hackney.
  • The Minister acknowledged concerns about the impact of social media on mental health, emphasizing the need to act based on evidence.
  • Julian Lewis pointed out that people are eight times more likely to wait over 18 months for mental health treatment compared to physical health treatment, which the Minister agreed is unacceptable.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Meg Hillier Labour (Co-op) Hackney South and Shoreditch
NHS Mental Health
Context

The NHS's work on this is vital, but local organisations like Mind in Hackney are pioneering new approaches to ensure quicker access to mental health support.

Question

I am concerned about the steps being taken to improve access to mental health services. The NHS's work on this is vital, but I also draw the Minister's attention to Mind in Hackney, which is pioneering a new approach to make sure that people get two sessions of mental health support within two weeks. They can get more later on, but that is what they get, rather than waiting in a queue for six months for long-term support. For many people, that, along with a long-term treatment plan, is enough. May I urge the Minister to come and visit? It is only half an hour up the road from Westminster; he could fit it in before Prime Minister's questions.

Answer from Zubir Ahmed

I am grateful for my hon. Friend's invitation. She is right: we need to think of innovative ways of attacking the mental health issues that face our country, and particularly our young people. Those include digital and face-to-face therapies, both of which we are expanding at a rapid pace. I am delighted to pass on her invitation to the Minister for Mental Health.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not addressed (visiting Mind in Hackney)

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Q2 Meg Hillier Labour (Co-op) Hackney South and Shoreditch
Mental Health
Context

There is an apparent significant increase in the levels of mental health disorders, and it raises concerns about excessive involvement with social media.

Question

Has the Minister had any opportunity to form conclusions about whether excessive involvement with social media and other online potential harms has contributed to an apparent significant increase in the levels of mental health disorders?

Answer from Zubir Ahmed

The right hon. Gentleman is right to highlight this very live issue. As a doctor, a parent and a Minister, it is live in my mind, as it is in the minds of hon. Members across the House. It is important that we follow the evidence, and act safely and proportionately in response to that evidence. The right hon. Gentleman will know this Government's ambition, and the direction that we want to set to ensure that young people are kept safe online.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific conclusions were provided

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Q3 Julian Lewis Con New Forest East
NHS Mental Health
Context

Rethink Mental Illness's analysis of NHS waiting time statistics shows people are eight times more likely to wait over 18 months for mental health treatment than physical health treatment.

Question

Analysis by Rethink Mental Illness of the latest NHS waiting time statistics shows that people are eight times more likely to wait over 18 months for mental health treatment than physical health treatment. Does the Minister agree that waiting 18 months for such treatment is totally unacceptable? What steps will the Government take to cut adult mental health waiting times?

Answer from Zubir Ahmed

Absolutely; it is unacceptable that there is still a disparity between mental and physical health when it comes to investigation, diagnosis and treatment. That is why this Government are proud to put record amounts of funding for mental health into the NHS. We are also making available £473 million of capital funding for encouraging and establishing 24/7 mental health centres, alongside other capital priorities, so that people can get the right support at the right time, closer to home.

Answered
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Q4 Lewis Atkinson Lab Sunderland Central
NHS Mental Health
Context

A young constituent was left without clear responsibility for her healthcare needs between child and adolescent mental health services, health services, and neurodevelopment pathways.

Question

After my young constituent was left in limbo between child and adolescent mental health services, health services and neurodevelopment pathways, with nobody claiming responsibility for her healthcare needs, her mum called 111 to get some advice. The advice she was given was, “If you're not happy with the service, contact your MP.” With all mental health and emergency services stretched to breaking point, what tangible action are this Government taking to address the mental health crisis in our neurodiverse population, so that nobody else in my constituency is failed like this young lady?

Answer from Zubir Ahmed

I think we are all distressed to hear stories like that. It is what motivates us to keep going and ensure that the NHS becomes a match-fit service for the 21st century. To reassure the hon. Lady, in addition to the investments I have already highlighted, we are also investing £13 million to pilot enhanced training for staff, so that they can offer more support to young people with complex needs, such as those she has described.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about tangible actions was not fully addressed

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