Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions 2026-07-14

Tuesday 14 July 2026 · 20 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 17 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister for Secondary Care is absent due to personal reasons.
  • Capital investment in the NHS will increase to 15 billion by 2028-29.
  • Government plans to reduce NHS waiting times through expert teams and shared knowledge.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Pochin Reform
NHS
Context

The Minister for Secondary Care, Karin Smyth, is not present as she is attending her son's graduation.

Question

As the Minister for Secondary Care is absent, I am concerned about his departmental responsibilities. Can he make a statement?

Answer from James Murray

The Minister for Secondary Care is not here today as she is attending her son's graduation. We have opened a new meningitis B vaccination programme, committed to extending Martha's rule across all maternity services, and resolved disputes with resident doctors. The NHS estate investment has increased.

Answered
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Q2 Sarah Pochin Reform
NHS Housing
Context

Warrington and Halton need funding for a new hospital due to outdated infrastructure.

Question

Now that the capital spending plan has been published, can the Minister confirm whether Warrington and Halton will receive funding for a desperately needed new hospital? The existing hospital estate has not been upgraded since the 1960s and does not have capacity for the growing local population. Will he commit to delivering a modern hospital for the next generation?

Answer from James Murray

We are increasing capital investment to £15 billion a year by 2028-29 and I am happy to write to the hon. Lady with further details on specific investment in her constituency.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm funding for Warrington and Halton specifically

How: Under Review

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Q3 Alex Mayer Lab
NHS
Context

The Houghton health hub is currently empty despite public money being spent on it.

Question

The Houghton health hub, owned by the council and leased to NHS Property Services for modern clinical rooms, has no patients or health provision. Will the Minister meet me to see whether this can be sorted out?

Answer from James Murray

I understand that Central East ICB is developing a plan to reoccupy the Houghton Regis health centre this month, but I am happy to discuss the detail with her.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to meeting specifically

How: Will Discuss

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Q4 Stuart Andrew Con Pudsey
NHS
Context

The Government's figures show higher patient numbers on the waiting list.

Question

Is the number of patients waiting for admission for an operation or procedure today higher or lower than when this Government took office?

Answer from James Murray

The waiting list for NHS services is more than 340,000 less than when we took office two years ago. People are being treated faster than ever before.

Answered
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Q5 Stuart Andrew Con Pudsey
NHS
Context

Government figures do not clearly distinguish between treated and removed patients from the waiting lists.

Question

The Government's own figures show that the number is higher. Additionally, concerns were raised about the distinction between treated and removed patients from the waiting lists. With consultants now taking strike action, how can the Secretary of State prove that patients are actually being seen faster?

Answer from James Murray

The vast majority of people who come off the waiting list do so because they are receiving care. We keep waiting lists up to date and ensure everyone gets care.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not prove patients being seen faster specifically

How: Confused Questioner

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Q6 Graham Stringer Lab Blackley and Broughton
NHS
Context

The waiting time to see a cardiologist is an unacceptable 66 weeks.

Question

What will the ministerial team do to reduce that waiting time?

Answer from James Murray

We are determined to reduce waiting times across the country. We send teams from the NHS to help improve services in local areas and share expertise between trusts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify plan for Manchester University NHS foundation trust specifically

How: General Principles

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Q7 Helen Morgan Lib Dem
NHS
Context

The NHS Resolution annual report for the year to March 2026 shows significant figures regarding future negligence payments in maternity.

Question

The NHS Resolution annual report for the year to March 2026 shows that maternity made up almost £35 billion of the £60 billion set aside for future negligence payments. Will he accelerate implementing national recommendations and putting in place a maternity commissioner?

Answer from James Murray

I have committed to introducing a maternity and neonatal commissioner. The role will be discussed and put on a statutory footing as quickly as possible through the Health Bill.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify timing for acceleration of implementation specifically

How: Under Review

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Q8 Rachel Taylor Lab
NHS
Context

The average wait for an endometriosis diagnosis exceeds nine years, often due to women being dismissed when reporting painful periods. Insha from North Warwickshire faced a decade-long wait before receiving specialist surgery.

Question

I am concerned about the long waits for endometriosis diagnosis and the impact on women's health in my constituency. What plans do the Government have to reduce diagnosis times, provide better training for GPs, and improve access to specialist care?

Answer from Sharon Hodgson

Women have been dismissed for far too long, and that must change. The renewed women's health strategy commits to redesigning clinical pathways for heavy periods and pelvic pain in order to reduce repeat appointments, unnecessary referrals and long waits. Menstrual problems, including endometriosis, will be prioritised through NHS Online in 2027.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response mentions the women's health strategy but does not provide specific details on reducing diagnosis times or improving training for GPs.

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Q9 Sarah Olney Lib Dem
NHS
Context

Studies indicate that iodine levels among UK women of reproductive age are only 82 micrograms per litre, with 30% recording levels below 50 micrograms. The World Health Organisation suggests that less than 150 micrograms indicates iodine deficiency.

Question

Given the critical impact of iodine deficiency on pregnant women and their children's health, will the Government urgently commission a new review into this issue following the last governmental review in 2014?

Answer from James Murray

I thank the hon. Lady for raising an important point and drawing attention to the impacts that iodine deficiency can have, but I am happy to look into the matter further and respond to her in writing.

Not addressed: The answerer acknowledges the issue but does not commit to a specific review or timeline for action.

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Q10 Chris Hinchliff Lab
NHS
Context

The NHS relies heavily on penicillin-based antibiotics, but over 90% of the global manufacturing capacity for an essential component is located in China. This raises concerns about potential disruptions to UK healthcare.

Question

Given the critical reliance of our healthcare system on antibiotic supply chains concentrated in one country, what steps are Ministers taking across Government to reduce this dependence and strengthen resilience?

Answer from Preet Kaur Gill

Medicine supply chains are global in nature, but we are taking steps to strengthen resilience by exploring opportunities to diversify supply chains, reduce reliance on single sources and undertake targeted monitoring of vulnerable supply chains. We also hold stockpiles for pandemic and serious infectious disease scenarios, including of antibiotics.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response acknowledges the issue but does not specify concrete measures beyond general statements about diversification and monitoring.

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Q11 Bobby Dean Lib Dem
NHS
Context

Local dentists are eager to take on NHS patients, but the government has not yet proposed a solution to address the long-standing issue of insufficient dental care provision.

Question

Given that dentists are willing to accept NHS patients and the problem is well-known for years, why does it seem unacceptable that the Government still lacks a clear plan or implementation strategy?

Answer from Stephen Kinnock

The fundamental problem is that dentists have not been incentivised to do NHS work. When we came into office in July 2024, there was a £392 million underspend which has now dropped to about £30 million. As a result, we have delivered 2.5 million additional courses of treatment in NHS dentistry.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answerer addresses the financial issue but does not provide specific details on incentivising dentists or implementing a plan for dental care provision.

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Q12 Ben Goldsborough Lab
NHS
Context

South Norfolk is experiencing rapid population growth, leading to increased pressure on local GP services. The government aims to expand neighbourhood health provision.

Question

Considering the population growth and strain on GP services in Long Stratton and Hethersett, will the Department fund a neighbourhood health centre or community diagnostic centre?

Answer from Stephen Kinnock

We are working with local NHS systems to identify the most appropriate places for new community diagnostic centres based on local need and health inequality. We have committed to deliver 120 NHCs by 2030 and 250 by 2035.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response mentions a general plan but does not confirm specific funding for Long Stratton or Hethersett.

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Q13 Clive Jones Lib Dem
NHS
Context

Quality and consistency of care are crucial in improving cancer outcomes, especially for children and young people.

Question

How will the cancer manuals support earlier diagnosis and improve outcomes for children and young people? Will they include specific guidance?

Answer from Sharon Hodgson

The national cancer plan has a dedicated chapter on children and young people, recognising the unique challenges they face. Cancer manuals will set out clear quality standards to reduce variation in care.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response acknowledges the need for specific guidance but does not provide detailed measures or guidelines.

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Q14 Josh Fenton-Glynn Lab
NHS
Context

Freedom of information requests revealed that only a small percentage of doctors accused of rape were suspended or erased from registers, indicating potential issues with regulatory action.

Question

Given the findings of FOI requests showing low suspension rates for doctors and nurses accused of serious misconduct, does the Minister agree that patient safety must be prioritised over protecting registrants?

Answer from Preet Kaur Gill

My hon. Friend is absolutely right: where serious misconduct takes place, action must be taken. Our programme of regulatory reform will enable regulators to act more swiftly starting with the GMC.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response acknowledges the issue but does not specify concrete reforms or timelines beyond general statements about acting swiftly.

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Q15 David Reed Con
NHS
Context

Devon Air Ambulance faces rising operational costs due to fuel duty increases of over £200,000 annually.

Question

I am concerned about air ambulance charities like Devon Air Ambulance which are vital for easing pressure on ambulance trusts and A&E services. They receive no direct government funding and depend almost entirely on public donations. Does the Minister agree that such services delivering NHS-level care should not rely on public generosity to survive, and will he commit to assessing how to support their continued sustainability?

Answer from Preet Kaur Gill

Air ambulance charities are a lifeline to communities across the country, and I want to celebrate the extraordinary volunteers who keep these services flying. The Royal Devon and Exeter hospital near the hon. Member's constituency has a state-of-the-art helipad funded by a £1 million donation from the HELP Appeal. This facility is fully equipped with advanced lighting for 24/7 landings and can accommodate the latest generation of larger air ambulance helicopters.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The issue of funding was not addressed, only recognition and celebration of volunteers.

How: Celebration Of Volunteer Work

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Q16 Paul Foster Lab
NHS
Context

There is a long-standing campaign to fully reinstate the A&E at Chorley and South Ribble hospital, supported by public, staff, local NHS trust, and neighbouring hospitals. NHS England opposes full reinstatement.

Question

Mr Speaker, as you are fully aware, we have had over a decade-long campaign to see the full reinstatement of the A&E at Chorley and South Ribble hospital. The public support it, the staff support it, the local NHS trust supports it, and the neighbouring hospitals at Preston, Wigan and Blackburn support it, but NHS England is blocking full reinstatement and will not say why. Will Ministers please meet with local MPs and all key stakeholders to get the A&E at Chorley and South Ribble hospital fully reinstated?

Answer from James Murray

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this long-standing campaign, which I know is of great interest to many people in the Chamber. The trust has now completed a feasibility study, concluding there is an evidence-based case to explore extending to a 24-hour emergency department. This work is being developed with the Integrated Care Board (ICB), and I look forward to seeing those proposals progress.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting request was not addressed, only feasibility study mentioned.

How: Acknowledgment Of Study Progress

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Q17 Alex Brewer Lib Dem
NHS Scotland
Context

There is evidence of a long-term increase in colorectal cancers among those under-50. The Scottish Government are calling for extension of eligibility for bio-screening kits to 45 years old.

Question

Following recent evidence of a long-term increase in colorectal cancers in the under-50s, the Scottish Government are calling on the National Screening Committee to extend eligibility for bio-screening kits. Australia has reduced its screening age to 45. Will the Secretary of State join the Scottish Government in urging the NSC to review the recommended age for starting screening?

Answer from James Murray

The National Screening Committee plays a vital role in providing clinical and evidence-based advice on targeting screening programmes. Over recent months, the committee has made several recommendations, but the benefits of greater screening must be balanced with risks. The committee takes this responsibility seriously. I have made clear that it must continue to keep its advice up to date as new diagnostic and treatment methods become available.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Urging NSC was not addressed, only acknowledgment of balance between benefits and risks.

How: Mention Of Balancing Benefits And Risks

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Q18 Paulette Hamilton Lab
NHS
Context

The Health and Social Care Committee is set to publish its report on improving the food environment, which includes several policy recommendations.

Question

The Health and Social Care Committee will be publishing its report tomorrow on fixing the food environment and making recommendations to support healthier eating. Will the Minister commit to engaging positively with these details, and can she outline steps already taken by the Government in this area?

Answer from Sharon Hodgson

I thank my hon. Friend for her question, which gives me an opportunity to say how much I enjoyed appearing before her Committee to discuss these matters. The Government are very much looking forward to receiving the report from the Health and Social Care Committee, and I will ensure that I respond to it in due course with full details.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to engaging positively or outlining specific steps but expressed willingness to receive and respond to the report

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Q19 Shockat Adam Ind
NHS
Context

Charities like Teenage Cancer Trust provide crucial support and care to young people undergoing cancer treatment, often funded through donations and philanthropic grants.

Question

Young people with cancer often face severe isolation during treatment. At Leicester Royal Infirmary, the Teenage Cancer Trust provides vital care supported by charitable funding. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure sustainable funding for such charities?

Answer from James Murray

The hon. Gentleman raises an important point about loneliness faced by those being treated for cancer, particularly youth whose isolation can be acute when separated from peers during treatment. I pay tribute to the work of the Teenage Cancer Trust and note that the Government aim to collaborate with this charity to provide comprehensive support including emotional care.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify steps for sustainable funding but acknowledged importance of collaboration and support

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Q20 David Baines Lab
NHS
Context

A long-standing dispute with the landlord has forced Billinge medical practice to vacate its premises by September. The integrated care board plans to relocate it to Garswood, raising concerns about accessibility.

Question

The Billinge medical practice faces eviction and relocation due to a property dispute, affecting patient access in the village. Given previous discussions with the Minister and concerns over relocation to an area poorly served by public transport, does he agree that places like Billinge deserve their own medical practice? Will he or his officials meet me to discuss this?

Answer from Stephen Kinnock

I have discussed this issue with my hon. Friend and I know how strongly he feels about it. I would be delighted to meet him to follow up on the situation, which sounds like it requires careful attention.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific agreement or meeting but expressed willingness to discuss further

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