House of Commons · Westminster Hall
11 May 2023 · 4 other contributors · 8,261 words
Opened by Jon Cruddas Lab Dagenham and Rainham
Responding minister: Helen Whately
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Jon Cruddas raised concerns about allergy awareness week in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Government should implement a national plan for allergy led by a designated civil servant or NHS lead with authority to change policies. This would ensure priority investment in training programmes, improve GP knowledge on allergic diseases, and establish clear pathways for local commissioners to understand the allergy needs of their populations.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Millions of people in the UK suffer from allergies, and the prevalence is among the highest globally. Recent reports highlight that allergy services are poorly managed across the NHS due to a lack of training and expertise, with only a minority receiving specialist care. The number of hospital admissions related to allergic disease has increased by 615% over the last two decades, and the complexity and severity of allergies have grown significantly.
Ms Davies-Jones highlighted the importance of Allergy Awareness Week, noting that one in three people in the UK are living with some sort of allergic condition. She shared her personal experience and those of constituents affected by allergies, emphasizing the lack of allergy specialists compared to the number of patients. She supported Owen's law for better allergen labelling in restaurants following the tragic death of Owen Carey. The speaker called for urgent action on food labelling regulations and a dedicated NHS position to champion people with allergies.
Ms Smyth highlighted the increasing prevalence of allergic diseases in the UK, with one-third of the population affected and over 50% of children suffering from at least one allergic disorder. She noted that allergies can be fatal and cause significant stress for families. The lack of allergy consultants and inadequate healthcare provision was discussed, alongside a call for updates on steps taken to ensure allergy services are available across all ICS areas.
Louie French thanked campaigners for raising awareness about allergies, highlighted the work of Allergy UK in supporting individuals with allergies, and emphasised the importance of understanding how allergies can impact health. He noted that 41 million people in the UK live with allergic disease and 50% of children are affected by one or more allergic disorders. French also mentioned the need for more allergy specialists to avoid a postcode lottery for patients.
Expressed gratitude for the debate's comprehensive introduction by Jon Cruddas. Acknowledged Allergy UK's work in raising awareness and supporting allergy sufferers, noting that 21 million people have allergies in the UK, with a staggering increase of hospital admissions over two decades. Raised concerns about climate change extending pollen season adversely affecting allergy sufferers and highlighted rising food prices disproportionately impacting those with allergies.
Government Response
Helen WhatelyPraised MP Jon Cruddas for securing the debate on allergies, noting its importance. Discussed personal experiences with asthma and multiple food allergies in family members to illustrate the challenges faced by allergy sufferers. Mentioned the work of Allergy UK and other organisations supporting people with allergies. Noted the progress made including Natasha's law improving food labelling. Emphasised the Government's investment in primary care workforce, including over 4,000 GP trainees last year. Highlighted the role of specialists, dieticians, and nurses trained in allergy services. Discussed plans for updated clinical guidelines and NICE guidance on managing allergies. Assured ongoing commitment to high standards of care for people with allergies.