← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Hughes Report: First Anniversary
27 March 2025
Lead MP
Sharon Hodgson
Washington and Gateshead South
Lab
Responding Minister
Ashley Dalton
Tags
No tags
Word Count: 12842
Other Contributors: 17
At a Glance
Sharon Hodgson raised concerns about hughes report: first anniversary in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government is urged to implement the compensation schemes outlined in the Hughes report and consider interim payments for victims of these scandals.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The Hughes report highlights the impact of valproate and pelvic mesh scandals, affecting at least 7,000 children harmed by valproate since 1973 and an estimated further 28 per month exposed to it. Additionally, over 40,000 women have been injured by mesh implants. These numbers represent individuals who have suffered irreversible damage and ongoing health issues.
Southgate and Wood Green
Supported interim payments to victims and highlighted a case involving sodium valproate affecting his constituent's daughter, raising awareness for compensation needs.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Addressed sodium valproate's risks during pregnancy, mentioning his constituent Karen Buck whose children were affected. He asked for a response to the petition with over 1,000 signatures and highlighted the need for primary legislation.
Daniel Francis
Lab
Bexleyheath and Crayford
Paula and Gillian are constituents impacted by pelvic mesh, reflecting the broader issue of 10,000 women harmed. Daniel Francis supports research into anti-seizure medications during pregnancy and calls for dedicated funding.
David Williams
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent North
Emphasises the importance of support for victims like Paula and Gillian, highlighting the need for swift action on safety concerns and continued review of valproate prescriptions' impacts.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Echoes concerns raised by the lead MP and asks for updates on implementing recommendations from the Hughes report. Emphasizes the need for progress and clarity regarding financial redress, meetings with Dr Henrietta Hughes, communication with affected individuals, and the status of workstreams related to teratogenic medications.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Colleen and her son Byron are constituents affected by valproate prescriptions during pregnancy. Byron has autism, learning disabilities, and speech issues due to the drug's harmful effects. James Wild demands a commitment from the Government for compensation payments and an apology.
Chichester
At least 10,000 women in England have been harmed by vaginal mesh implants, and the true number could be closer to 40,000. The report recommends establishing an independent redress agency for these victims.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
5,255 women in Northern Ireland underwent vaginal tape procedures between 2007 and 2015, with some experiencing chronic pain and infections post-surgery.
John Glen
Con
Salisbury
Cited recent precedents for interim payments under the infected blood compensation scheme, suggesting a mechanism that maximizes entitlements without loss to the public purse.
Lillian Jones
Lab
Kilmarnock and Loudoun
A constituent's daughter was born with autism as a direct result of sodium valproate prescribed to control her epilepsy, leading to guilt and self-blame for the mother.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Highlighted the experiences of a constituent who suffered severe health issues due to pelvic mesh implants, including ongoing treatment for cancer. The constituent's case is one of at least 10,000 cases where people are seeking redress.
James Frith
Lab
Bury North
Focused on mesh implants' effects and supported his constituent Bev's case. He expressed disappointment that sodium valproate issues have not been fully resolved despite previous efforts.
Hodgson
Lab
Cheshire West and Chester
Thanked everyone for their valuable contributions to the debate. Emphasised the need for action based on existing information from Baroness Cumberlege and the Patient Safety Commissioner to prevent future scandals and provide compensation.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Discussed the importance of research and reaching out to global experts like Dr Dionysios Veronikis for effective mesh removal methods. Raised concerns about legal cases, waiting lists, and financial support. Suggested making an interim payment to address frustrations about timescales.
Susan Murray
LD
Mid Dunbartonshire
Asked about ensuring that medical devices used were properly licensed, highlighting the importance of preventing misuse of approved products without further testing.
Tony Vaughan
Lab
Folkestone and Hythe
Shared a constituent's experience of enduring years of pain due to mesh implants and the need for urgent investment in urogynaecology services. The constituent had to pay for private healthcare to remediate the issue, highlighting the urgency.
Warinder Juss
Lab
Wolverhampton West
Argues that a proper Government-backed compensation scheme will ultimately save the NHS money by reducing legal costs and payouts. Discussed her experience handling clinical negligence claims on behalf of women affected by mesh implants, highlighting the need for a quick-working redress system that provides both financial and non-financial compensation.
Government Response
Ashley Dalton
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Government Response
Acknowledged the importance of transparency in the health system regarding industry payments to healthcare practitioners. Committed to writing to Baroness Merron on timescales as requested by Members. Assured that patient safety remains a top priority, emphasizing the complexity involved with several Departments and ensuring lessons are learned from other instances.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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.