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Care Settings: Right to Maintain Contact
24 June 2025
Lead MP
Dan Carden
Liverpool Walton
Lab
Responding Minister
Ashley Dalton
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Word Count: 7814
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Dan Carden raised concerns about care settings: right to maintain contact in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Campaigners are fighting for Gloria’s law to maintain a legal right to at least one care supporter who can provide support and advocacy in health and care settings, ensuring no one is alone when they need help the most.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The debate addresses the enforced separation of families during the covid-19 pandemic, leaving many elderly and sick individuals without essential human contact. Stories from constituents like Val and Gemma highlight the suffering caused by isolation in care settings.
Mid Sussex
Ms Bennett highlighted the devastating impact of restrictions on vulnerable people during the pandemic, sharing a tragic story about Donald Burgess who died after being isolated and mistreated. She called for Gloria's Law to guarantee an essential care supporter.
Ashley Dalton
Con
North West Durham
Acknowledged the need for temporary restrictions but stated that such instances should be rare. He also mentioned that the CQC monitors Act compliance and exceptional circumstances of regulation 9A.
Filton and Bradley Stoke
Highlighted a constituent's story where her mother was cut off from contact during the pandemic, stressing the importance of hearing such stories as next steps are considered.
Connor Rand
Lab
Altrincham and Sale West
Mentioned the case of Paul Priestman in his constituency, raising concerns about the quality of care and the need for families to be seen as essential supports rather than afterthoughts.
Johnson
Lab
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Asked whether an hour’s visit once a week would count as meeting the criteria for visits under regulation 9A.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Discusses the impact of pandemic regulations on young children and those in care settings. Highlights that over 3,900 children are currently in care in Northern Ireland, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sibling contact for emotional stability.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
The hon. Member for Liverpool Walton highlighted that families need clarification on a legal right, not just guidance. She also raised the inconsistency between the treatment of vulnerable adults and children in care settings. Stressed the importance of family carers alongside salaried carers, urging the Government to bring this forward in law.
Government Response
Ashley Dalton
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Government Response
Thanking Ms Butler for chairing the debate at short notice, Ashley Dalton acknowledged Dan Carden for securing it. The Minister did not provide specific answers to Lucy Allan's questions but expressed appreciation for the concerns raised.
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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.