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UN High-level Meetings in 2023
11 July 2023
Lead MP
Virendra Sharma
Ealing, Southall
Lab
Responding Minister
Leo Docherty
Tags
Social CareScience & Technology
Word Count: 9194
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Virendra Sharma raised concerns about un high-level meetings in 2023 in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Sharma asks the Minister to confirm whether the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary will attend all three high-level meetings later this year. Additionally, he requests updates on when new or renewed product development partnerships funding might be expected for TB vaccine research, and what more can be done to support UK research and development in the context of TB. Byrne asks the Minister to provide an update on engagement with the drafting of political declarations for UN high-level meetings and outlines what more can be done to support UK research and development in TB. He also questions why international aid spending was cut and austerity policies were pursued, which are negatively impacting health outcomes.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Virendra Sharma is concerned about the effectiveness of current global health strategies and the need for improved international cooperation. He points out that many pressing issues, such as pandemic preparedness and response (PPR), universal health coverage (UHC), and tuberculosis (TB) require multi-sector collaboration and leadership from Heads of Government. Specifically, he notes that TB is a disease of poverty affecting 1 billion people worldwide, with nearly half facing catastrophic personal or household costs due to diagnosis and treatment. He also highlights the need for increased investment in TB vaccine research and development, as well as new treatments and addressing antimicrobial resistance. Ian Byrne is concerned about the UK Government's failure to meet the United Nations' sustainable development goals both domestically and internationally. He highlighted a £620 million reduction in bilateral health aid from the UK, a decrease in life expectancy since 2011, and inequalities in life expectancy within Liverpool of up to 20 years. Additionally, Byrne pointed out that TB diagnosis rates fell by 18% globally due to pandemic disruptions, indicating fewer cases being detected.
Fabian Hamilton
Lab
Leeds North East
Mr Hamilton praised the debate's timing and speakers, highlighting global challenges like tuberculosis and water sanitation. He emphasised the importance of political commitment to addressing TB, which kills 1.6 million people annually, despite being preventable and curable. He also stressed the need for pandemic preparedness due to the UK's poor readiness before the covid-19 outbreak, noting that NHS waiting lists were at record levels with staff shortages even prior to the pandemic.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Discussed the importance of water sanitation and hygiene in healthcare facilities, highlighting that two-thirds of healthcare facilities in least developed countries lack proper access. Emphasised the link between poor WASH conditions and antimicrobial resistance, which caused 1.27 million deaths globally in 2019. Called for investment in WASH to protect UK public health and the NHS from resistant infections.
George Howarth
Lab
Great Yarmouth
Congratulates the hon. Friend on securing the debate and asks if they agree with Professor David Lalloo from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine regarding the interrelationship between tuberculosis, pandemic preparedness and response, and universal health coverage.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Middleton South
Stringer questioned the proposal to transfer decision-making powers regarding pandemics from nation states to the World Health Organisation, arguing it would be a loss of sovereignty.
Patrick Grady
SNP
Glasgow North
Emphasised the need for political and financial capital to address global health challenges, highlighting the importance of access to water, sanitation, food security, and community-led interventions. Raised concerns over the UK's reduced aid budget and its impact on multilateral organisations like Gavi and the Global Fund.
Government Response
Leo Docherty
Government Response
The Government places importance on three high-level UN meetings focusing on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, universal health coverage, and tuberculosis. The UK is ambitious in its aims for firm global commitments to achieving UHC by 2030, reversing extreme poverty due to healthcare costs, and tackling the shortage of health workers predicted at 10 million by end-2030. The minister emphasized the need for a legally binding pandemic instrument without impacting sovereignty on issues like lockdowns or vaccine rollouts. He also highlighted £1 billion in funding over three years to the Global Fund to save lives worldwide and tackle TB stigma.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.