Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Suicide Prevention Strategy

Tuesday 9 June 2026 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The government has published NHS England's 'Staying safe from suicide' guidance and launched a near-to-real-time suspected suicide surveillance system.
  • The Minister acknowledged Emma's work raising awareness of mental health issues and mentioned the women's health strategy to improve mental health support for women and girls.
  • The Minister noted that 8,500 mental health support workers have been recruited for schools, with over 10,000 schools already benefitting.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Mental Health
Context

The suicide prevention strategy aimed to reduce the suicide rate over five years, but significant reductions have not been observed by the halfway point.

Question

What assessment has the government made of progress on implementing the suicide prevention strategy for England? The strategy promised initial reductions within half this time or sooner. However, we are now at the halfway mark and those reductions have not been achieved. What is the Government's plan to ensure that target is met by the end of the strategy?

Answer from Preet Kaur Gill

The government is committed to delivering the suicide prevention strategy and has published NHS England's 'Staying safe from suicide' guidance. Progress includes launching a near-to-real-time suspected suicide surveillance system and committing £3.6 million for middle-aged men in areas needing it, co-produced with families and local partners.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions to meet the reduction targets were not fully detailed

How: Under Review, Considering Further Input

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Mental Health
Context

The question references a specific constituent, Emma Webb, whose daughter tragically took her own life. Since then, Emma has worked to raise awareness for suicide prevention.

Question

Can the Minister pay tribute to the work of Emma who lost her 16-year-old daughter to suicide and mention what more can be done about suicide prevention among young people?

Answer from Preet Kaur Gill

The Minister paid tribute to Emma's work raising awareness of mental health issues. She mentioned the women's health strategy which includes support for women and girls, aiming to improve access to mental health services in ways that work for them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address youth suicide prevention measures

How: Working On This

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Joshua Reynolds Lib Dem Maidenhead
Education Mental Health
Context

Early intervention is crucial for mental health, but many young people only receive help at crisis points. The Liberal Democrats propose dedicated mental health professionals in every primary and secondary school.

Question

The Liberal Democrats call for a mental health professional in every primary and secondary school as well as community-based hubs to prevent young people from reaching the point of crisis. Will the Minister support this proposal?

Answer from Preet Kaur Gill

The Minister noted that 8,500 mental health support workers have been recruited for schools, with over 10,000 schools already benefitting. She invited more discussion on local efforts to improve youth mental health access.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to dedicated professionals in every school and hub

How: Inviting Further Input

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Women & Equalities Mental Health
Context

A constituent's daughter tragically died by suicide. The mother, Emma Webb, has since raised awareness and funds for mental health charities.

Question

Can the Minister pay tribute to the work of Emma who lost her 16-year-old daughter to suicide and mention what more can be done about youth suicide prevention?

Answer from Preet Kaur Gill

The Minister acknowledged Emma's work and mentioned commitments in the women's health strategy to improve mental health support for women and girls, promoting collaboration and addressing barriers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address youth suicide prevention measures

How: Working On This

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q5 Caroline Voaden Lib Dem South Devon
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Mental Health
Context

Agricultural workers and young people in remote areas often face distinct mental health crises due to the lack of local provision.

Question

What specific targeted support is being provided by the Department for isolated rural workers who cannot easily access standard workplace mental health schemes?

Answer from Preet Kaur Gill

The Minister acknowledged challenges in providing mental health services to rural areas. She mentioned ongoing work on a women's mental health strategy, bespoke guidance under the revised Mental Health Act, and funding for early support hubs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify targeted support measures for isolated workers

How: Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email