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World COPD Day
20 November 2025
Lead MP
Jim Shannon
Strangford
DUP
Responding Minister
Ashley Dalton
Tags
Taxation
Word Count: 8901
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Jim Shannon raised concerns about world copd day in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
How can the Government include respiratory health in the next wave of their 10-year plan for health and how can they address deprivation's impact on COPD?
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
COPD is a significant issue with over 1.7 million diagnosed cases in the UK and potentially 600,000 undiagnosed cases. Emergency hospital admissions for COPD increased by 9% in 2024 compared to 2023, resulting in 121,129 A&E admissions. Lost productivity due to COPD costs around £1.7 billion per year.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
Dr Pinkerton highlights the need for an optimised healthcare system supporting COPD sufferers, citing a 23% increase in emergency hospital admissions due to respiratory illnesses. He calls on the Government to ensure seamless access to NHS specialist care and stronger data sharing.
Pinkerton
Con
Surrey Heath
Emphasized that COPD escalates over time with 200,000 hospital admissions annually due to respiratory illnesses, and highlighted the need for better data access and medical care.
Gregory Stafford
Con
Farnham and Bordon
COPD affects more than 1.7 million people across the UK, with up to 600,000 undiagnosed cases. The condition disproportionately impacts poorer areas, leading to higher mortality rates among disadvantaged populations. During the pandemic, diagnosis rates plummeted by 51%, resulting in missed opportunities for early intervention and treatment. Discussed inequality and deprivation across the UK, better spirometry testing, pulmonary rehabilitation's key role in reducing COPD admissions, and called for year-round emergency measures.
Helen Morgan
Con
North Shropshire
Helen Morgan congratulates Jim Shannon for raising awareness of World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day and acknowledges his campaigning efforts in addressing the issues faced by COPD sufferers. Talked about chronic bronchitis and rehabilitation, early diagnosis of COPD as a cost-saving measure, and the importance of vaccinations.
Jim Shannon
UUP
Strangford
Thanked all hon. Members for their contributions and highlighted the progress on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, access to drugs, early diagnosis of COPD, and the importance of spirometry tests.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Acknowledged Jim Shannon's work on the respiratory health APPG, emphasising commitment to tackling COPD care issues. Discussed issues such as access to public transport for patients returning home from hospital, progress on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, and welcomed the Minister's focus on COPD prevention.
Government Response
Ashley Dalton
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Government Response
The Minister reassures the shadow Minister that the National Institute for Health and Care Research welcomes all proposals for research on COPD. The Government will shift from treating COPD to preventing it through a 10-year plan, focusing on new technology for early diagnosis and care in local areas. They are considering extending smoke-free outdoor places to outside schools, children’s playgrounds, and hospitals under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. A £1 million investment is announced this year through the Oxfordshire health innovation network to develop targeted case-finding initiatives in former coalfield areas. Set out actions to ensure equitable access to pulmonary rehabilitation services, announced funding totalling £2.61 million through the pathway transformation fund for innovative projects in asthma and COPD care, highlighted the importance of lung cancer screening, and committed to following NICE’s fundamentals of COPD care.
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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.