Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Health Inequalities: Staffordshire 2026-07-14

Tuesday 14 July 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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government are taking action to tackle health inequalities through the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, new heart disease and strokes plan, and the 10-year health plan
  • Government have introduced a new duty on strategic and combined authorities to consider population health and reducing health inequalities, including air quality
  • Government are prioritising British graduates entering the workforce under the 10-year workforce plan, without specific mention of doubling medical school places

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Adam Jogee Lab
NHS
Context

The MP raised concerns about health inequalities and the need for government action.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help tackle health inequalities in Staffordshire?

Answer from Sharon Hodgson

The Government are taking action to tackle health inequalities through the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, new heart disease and strokes plan, and the 10-year health plan.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures for Staffordshire were not detailed

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Q2 Adam Jogee Lab
NHS Environment
Context

The MP highlighted the poor air quality affecting Audley health centre and its impact on asthma and COPD prevalence.

Question

Audley health centre is facing high levels of pollution from the M6. Will the Government ensure that residents are not disproportionately affected by respiratory diseases? The MP also asked for a meeting to discuss this issue.

Answer from Sharon Hodgson

The Government have introduced a new duty on strategic and combined authorities to consider population health and reducing health inequalities, including air quality. The Minister is willing to meet with the MP if time allows.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures for Audley were not detailed

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Q3 Caroline Johnson Con Sleaford and North Hykeham
NHS
Context

The MP questioned the Government's plans to abolish Healthwatch, citing concerns about reducing independent feedback.

Question

Does the Minister agree with the Government's plans to abolish Healthwatch or does she share concerns that it will reduce the independent voice?

Answer from Sharon Hodgson

The Government are putting the patient voice at the heart of the health service, although they may be seen as scrapping something, they believe it will make it better.

Not addressed: No specific details on Healthwatch plans were provided

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Q4 Caroline Johnson Con Sleaford and North Hykeham
NHS Education
Context

The MP raised concerns about the Government's commitment to double the number of medical school places, citing previous promises made by Labour members.

Question

Is it accurate that the Government have never committed to doubling the number of medical school places? Is this a promise they intend to break?

Answer from Sharon Hodgson

The 10-year workforce plan will prioritise British graduates entering the workforce, but no specific mention of doubling medical school places was provided.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to double medical school places not confirmed

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