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Terminal Illness: Mental Health Support
03 December 2025
Lead MP
Connor Rand
Altrincham and Sale West
Lab
Responding Minister
Dr Zubir Ahmed
Tags
NHS
Word Count: 6659
Other Contributors: 8
At a Glance
Connor Rand raised concerns about terminal illness: mental health support in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP asks the Minister to consider recommendations: mapping service provision, funding more psycho-oncologists, conducting baseline mental health assessments upon diagnosis, and creating clear pathways for referral to experienced specialists. Additionally, a meeting is requested to discuss these proposals in detail.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Mike's wife Sarah, diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017, experienced significant mental health issues. Despite a physical treatment success, Sarah suffered from depression and anxiety, unable to enjoy activities she once loved. She faced long waiting lists for counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy, which were inadequate for her needs. Psycho-oncologists are scarce, with one local hospital's specialist being overburdened.
Amanda Hack
Lab
North West Leicestershire
Emphasises the need to consider the mental health of both patients with terminal illnesses and their loved ones who support them during treatment.
Ahmed
Con
Responded to Dr Evans, pushing back on his points about headline figures and mentioning that the Government are investing £688 million in mental health support this year.
Winchester
Hospices are under immense strain, with only 16% of people attending believing their psychological support is adequate. NHS mental health services face long waiting lists, and unpaid carers receive minimal formal bereavement support despite vast contributions.
Evans
Lab
Hinckley and Bosworth
Asked the Minister to confirm whether the Government are still committed to the mental health investment standard, highlighting that the proportion of funding for mental health was actually cut from 8.78% to 8.71%.
West Dorset
Acknowledges the importance of mental health-led hospice services provided by institutions like Weldmar and Julia’s House, highlighting funding pressures they face.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
Mr Mohamed thanked the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale West for bringing this important topic to debate, emphasizing the need for comprehensive mental health support for those with terminal illnesses.
Irene Campbell
Lab
North Ayrshire and Arran
Ms Campbell discussed the economic inequalities faced by people with terminal illnesses in North Ayrshire, citing a report by Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland. She stressed the need for timely and effective mental health support.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Mr Shannon emphasized the importance of mental health support for those diagnosed with terminal illnesses, citing studies by Marie Curie and Queen’s University Belfast. He highlighted issues such as death illiteracy and loneliness in end-of-life care.
Government Response
Dr Zubir Ahmed
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged the importance of ensuring high-quality, compassionate care from diagnosis through to end-of-life. He highlighted that palliative care services are included in the list of services that integrated care boards must commission, promoting a consistent national approach and supporting commissioners to prioritise mental health, wellbeing, and support for those with palliative care needs. Confirmed investment of £688 million in mental health services, recruiting almost 7,000 extra mental health workers since July 2024, and committing to expanding talking therapies with an aim for over 900,000 people to complete a course by March 2029. Emphasised the Government's commitment to delivering on issues raised during the debate.
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Assessment & feedback
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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.