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Public Baths and Lidos
25 March 2026
Lead MP
Andrew Pakes
Peterborough
Lab Co-op
Responding Minister
Nicholas Dakin
Tags
NHSForeign AffairsCulture, Media & SportLocal Government
Word Count: 8892
Other Contributors: 13
At a Glance
Andrew Pakes raised concerns about public baths and lidos in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP asks the Minister to provide assurances that the Government understands how swimming is integrated across public health, DCMS, local government and a range of Departments. He also seeks reassurances on the importance of these facilities and their role in the Government's commitment to grassroots sport and public leisure.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The MP is concerned about the potential loss of public baths and lidos due to funding cuts, which can affect community health, happiness, and pride. Peterborough's art deco lido faced a bleak future two years ago after more than 2,500 people got involved in saving it through campaigning. The lido has withstood many challenges over its 90-year history but faces similar shadows today: austerity and cuts for public services and local government.
Beccy Cooper
Lab
Worthing West
Lidos are not just leisure facilities but part of the community fabric. In Worthing, a local lido is undergoing revitalisation efforts to bring it back to life and serve as a unique space for future community use. The speaker highlights the importance of public health and equal access to healthy outdoor spaces.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Asked if pool users' groups are crucial to maintaining standards in ageing facilities, and stressed the importance of targeting younger children for lifelong swimming. Emphasised the importance of 11-year-olds being able to swim when they leave primary school, asking for agreement on this point from Mr. Robertson.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
The MP commended her colleague for a heartfelt speech supporting someone dear to her. Brockwell lido is an important community asset in Dulwich and West Norwood, but it faces financial challenges that could jeopardize its future. The facility has a rich history and provides numerous activities for residents of all ages.
Jayne Kirkham
Lab Co-op
Truro and Falmouth
Mentioned the closure of the swimming pool in Falmouth by the Conservative council in 2022. Described efforts to campaign for its reopening, including a petition to Parliament.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Apologised for being unable to speak at length due to a prior commitment but highlighted that lidos are valued public assets promoting health, wellbeing and social cohesion.
Joe Robertson
Con
Isle of Wight East
Highlighted the importance of public baths and lidos in promoting health, recreation, and tourism. Noted that 12.5 million adults swim annually, with over 4 million enjoying outdoor swimming. He called for a long-term capital strategy to support ageing facilities and recognised the economic benefits of maintaining these venues.
John Whitby
Lab
Derbyshire Dales
The outdoor swimming pool in Hathersage, celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, is an essential community asset. Similarly, the lido in Matlock Bath supports both residents and visitors, contributing significantly to local tourism and providing jobs.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Paid tribute to Kitty Wilkinson for the establishment of public baths and discussed the historical significance of Carlisle's Turkish baths. Highlighted how these facilities provided mental health benefits, social connections, and physical relief for individuals facing various challenges such as loneliness, divorce, and asthma.
Martin Wrigley
Lib Dem
Newton Abbot
Mr Wrigley highlighted the decline in public outdoor pools over decades due to policy and funding shifts, noting that many were closed or repurposed. He praised community-led efforts to reopen lidos and emphasised their role in promoting public health and community cohesion. He mentioned Teignbridge's six pools and stressed the importance of Teignmouth lido as a vital asset for around 10,000 users annually. Mr Wrigley called for government support to protect these pools from closure.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
Mr Mishra expressed concern over the closure of public swimming pools in Stockport and the lack of investment in Grand Central swimming pool. He cited a survey showing 86% preference for swimming or fitness facilities at Reddish baths, which closed in 2005. He highlighted the importance of these facilities for physical and mental wellbeing as well as local athletes' development.
Sam Rushworth
Lab
Bishop Auckland
Expressed gratitude for the speech, highlighted issues with closed swimming facilities in his constituency due to past closures during the pandemic, and praised Labour government funding. Invited the Minister to visit lidos in his constituency and asked about funding opportunities through Sport England for reopening a closed public bath and supporting community initiatives.
Simon Opher
Lab
Stroud
Lidos are vital for swimming education, community building, and stress reduction. In Stroud, a lido is facing maintenance issues that could lead to its closure, raising safety concerns and prompting calls for quick fixes and potential changes in ownership.
Tom Rutland
Lab
East Worthing and Shoreham
Discussed efforts to restore the centenary Worthing lido and build a tidal pool nearby as part of community revitalisation efforts.
Government Response
Nicholas Dakin
Government Response
The minister highlighted the role of lidos in contributing to health, wellbeing, heritage, and tourism across the country. He mentioned specific examples such as the Peterborough lido's reopening and Worthing lido's restoration, emphasizing that these facilities are part of a vital cultural network. The minister also discussed Swim England's 'Value of Swimming' report which showed swimming significantly reduces anxiety or depression for 1.4 million adults in Britain, saving over £357 million annually to the NHS and social care system. He emphasized the importance of swimming as a life skill, with only 73% of year 7 pupils aged 11 to 12 able to swim confidently and proficiently over distances of at least 25 metres last year. The minister highlighted government support for lido development through various funds such as the £20 million growth mission fund supporting a new swimming pool and sports quarter in Peterborough, demonstrating the positive impact on community cohesion and pride in place. Additionally, he mentioned plans to develop a national plan for physical activity, focusing on preventing health conditions by promoting physical activity, especially among less active individuals.
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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.