Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Care Settings: Right to Maintain Contact

24 June 2025 · 7 other contributors · 7,814 words

Opened by Dan Carden Lab Liverpool Walton

Responding minister: Ashley Dalton

Children & FamiliesNHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Dan Carden raised concerns about care settings: right to maintain contact in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The debate focuses on the separation of families during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting elderly and sick individuals in care settings.
  • Campaigners are advocating for Gloria's law to ensure a legal right to at least one care supporter for advocacy and support.
  • The Minister thanked Ms Butler and Dan Carden for organizing the debate but did not provide specific answers to Lucy Allan's questions.

Key requests to Government

Campaigners are fighting for Gloria’s law to maintain a legal right to at least one care supporter who can provide support and advocacy in health and care settings, ensuring no one is alone when they need help the most.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Dan Carden Lab Liverpool Walton

The debate addresses the enforced separation of families during the covid-19 pandemic, leaving many elderly and sick individuals without essential human contact. Stories from constituents like Val and Gemma highlight the suffering caused by isolation in care settings.

Other contributors (7)
  • Alison Bennett LD Mid Sussex

    Ms Bennett highlighted the devastating impact of restrictions on vulnerable people during the pandemic, sharing a tragic story about Donald Burgess who died after being isolated and mistreated. She called for Gloria's Law to guarantee an essential care supporter.

  • Ashley Dalton Con North West Durham

    Acknowledged the need for temporary restrictions but stated that such instances should be rare. He also mentioned that the CQC monitors Act compliance and exceptional circumstances of regulation 9A.

  • Claire Hazelgrove Lab Filton and Bradley Stoke

    Highlighted a constituent's story where her mother was cut off from contact during the pandemic, stressing the importance of hearing such stories as next steps are considered.

  • Connor Rand Lab Altrincham and Sale West

    Mentioned the case of Paul Priestman in his constituency, raising concerns about the quality of care and the need for families to be seen as essential supports rather than afterthoughts.

  • Johnson Lab Sleaford and North Hykeham

    Asked whether an hour’s visit once a week would count as meeting the criteria for visits under regulation 9A.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Discusses the impact of pandemic regulations on young children and those in care settings. Highlights that over 3,900 children are currently in care in Northern Ireland, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sibling contact for emotional stability.

  • Liz Saville Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd

    The hon. Member for Liverpool Walton highlighted that families need clarification on a legal right, not just guidance. She also raised the inconsistency between the treatment of vulnerable adults and children in care settings. Stressed the importance of family carers alongside salaried carers, urging the Government to bring this forward in law.

Government Response

Ashley Dalton

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

Thanking Ms Butler for chairing the debate at short notice, Ashley Dalton acknowledged Dan Carden for securing it. The Minister did not provide specific answers to Lucy Allan's questions but expressed appreciation for the concerns raised.

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