House of Commons · Westminster Hall
11 September 2025 · 7 other contributors · 10,210 words
Opened by Bradley Thomas Con Bromsgrove
Responding minister: Karin Smyth
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Bradley Thomas raised concerns about non-surgical aesthetic and cosmetic treatments in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Proposes stricter regulations on advertising images in cosmetic industry and requiring all images and videos used to display if digitally altered or enhanced. Also suggests expanding the Secretary of State's powers to introduce regulations on operations, making 'surgeon' a protected title.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
In 2023 alone, around 7.7 million people in the UK underwent cosmetic and aesthetic treatments, leading to a public health crisis due to lack of regulation. Sixty-one percent of adults and 66% of children reported negative body image issues, with 80% experiencing mental health harm from such concerns. An estimated 1.25 million people live with eating disorders, hospital admissions for which rose by 84% between 2015 and 2021.
Highlights that non-surgical cosmetic procedures have grown into a multibillion-pound industry with significant risks due to lack of regulation. Asks the Government for steps to raise awareness of new regulations and support local authorities in enforcing them.
The risk of complications increases when practitioners are not sufficiently trained or using regulated products. There were 38 cases of botulism recorded over six weeks in the summer, suggesting that unlicensed botox-like products were used. Agreed that regulation is crucial, citing the need for consistency of standards in procedures like lip fillers and injectables. Supports Government's introduction of licensing schemes.
The hon. Member for Bromsgrove is praised, and it is noted that in June alone, 28 people in the north-east were left with cases of botulism from unregulated botox injections.
Welcomed the Government's recent announcement of a forthcoming consultation and crackdown on unsafe cosmetic procedures. Highlighted the Poly Implant Prothèse breast implant scandal affecting up to 47,000 women in the UK. Discussed Jan Spivey's case involving faulty implants, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures.
Emphasised the importance of proper licensing for practitioners to ensure patient safety, highlighting cases where unqualified individuals performed dangerous procedures leading to severe injuries and financial exploitation.
The hon. Member highlights that many people go abroad for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, leading to disasters and deaths. Local councils in Northern Ireland have put up guidance on making choices regarding these procedures. Emphasised the importance of UK-wide regulations to ensure consistency in protection and enforcement across all regions.
Cosmetic surgery can be affirming but needs proper regulation. There are concerns about unqualified practitioners carrying out procedures and the rise of cosmetic surgery abroad, which has resulted in serious complications costing the NHS £1.7 million annually.
Government Response
Karin SmythThe Minister for Secondary Care
We will regulate high-risk cosmetic procedures under the Care Quality Commission, ensuring only suitably qualified healthcare professionals perform them. We will introduce a local authority licensing scheme for lower-risk procedures like botox and lip fillers, requiring rigorous safety training and insurance standards. The consultation received over 11,800 responses and detailed proposals will be set out in the new year to seek views from local authorities on enforcement powers and costs.