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World Stroke Day
28 October 2025
Lead MP
Munira Wilson
Twickenham
LD
Responding Minister
Dr Zubir Ahmed
Tags
ImmigrationEconomy
Word Count: 9458
Other Contributors: 18
At a Glance
Munira Wilson raised concerns about world stroke day in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The NHS needs to prioritise stroke rehabilitation to support patients' recovery beyond the acute phase of treatment in hospitals and prevent long-term disability.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Every day in the UK, another 240 people experience a stroke. There are currently more than 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK and approximately 100,000 new cases each year. The Stroke Association estimates that without Government action, stroke will cost £75 billion by 2035.
Adam Dance
LD
Yeovil
Called for a trial to compare patient outcomes at Yeovil district hospital's hyperacute stroke unit versus nearby hospitals, citing concerns over travel time and treatment delays.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Thanked staff at Manchester royal infirmary’s ward 31 for providing outstanding acute and rehabilitative stroke care and urged support for sustained investment in prevention, staffing, and rehabilitation.
Alex Easton
Ind
North Down
Highlighted Northern Ireland's high stroke rates, suggesting regional collaboration on research and practice.
Brian Leishman
Ind
Alloa and Grangemouth
Discussed the relationship between deprivation and stroke, highlighting that people in deprived areas are twice as likely to have a stroke compared to affluent areas.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
The hon. Member shares the story of Hannah Garrity, a young stroke survivor who has become an inspiration and now teaches art in schools. She agrees that more research is needed, particularly into strokes in younger people.
Chris Bloore
Lab
Redditch
Discussed the underfunding of stroke care in the UK, citing community service gaps and highlighting the need for support from organisations like the Stroke Association.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Strokes affect over 100,000 people annually in the UK, with a cost of £8 billion. The Government must act on prevention, treatment, and care improvements as outlined by the previous plan. Inquired if universal services would be available 24/7 and clarified what 'universal' means for patients in rural areas regarding travel distance to thrombectomy centres.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
The hon. Member provides statistics showing that only 212 thrombectomies took place in Scotland in 2024, accounting for 2.2% of all eligible cases, significantly lower than comparably sized countries like Ireland.
Euan Stainbank
Lab
Falkirk
Asked for a plan in Scotland to install 24/7 emergency thrombectomy care across the country as soon as possible, suggesting an earlier target than 2031.
Epsom and Ewell
Highlights the impact of local service cuts on stroke survivors, urging investment in prevention and community care. Discusses the need for better public health measures to address risk factors like diet, smoking, and physical activity.
Irene Campbell
Lab
North Ayrshire and Arran
The hon. Member raises concerns about the lack of 24/7 emergency thrombectomy provision in Scottish hospitals, particularly at night, which she deems unacceptable.
Jas Athwal
Lab
Ilford South
Stressed the importance of recognizing early signs of stroke through the FAST campaign and highlighted disparities in stroke risk among ethnic minorities.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Stressed the importance of post-stroke recovery and shared his mother's experience with transient ischemic attacks. Emphasised the need for sharing best practices across regions.
Lillian Jones
Lab
Kilmarnock and Loudoun
Expressed support for improving stroke care, focusing on prevention and awareness campaigns targeted at communities facing higher risks of stroke.
Romford
Encouraged by Minister's response on data, prevention, and digital tools for stroke patients. Asks for the target of stroke and cardiovascular disease to prevent disability alongside saving lives.
Torbay
Described Torbay as having the third highest prevalence of strokes in the United Kingdom and highlighted recent cuts to local stroke association support, leading to isolation among sufferers.
Terry Jermy
Lab
South West Norfolk
Describes his personal experience with stroke, highlighting the challenges faced by disabled individuals in rural communities. Mentions that his constituency ranks poorly for health services and expresses concern over potential cuts to 'life after stroke' support.
Uma Kumaran
Lab
Stratford and Bow
The hon. Member shares her personal experience of her husband's stroke on her first day in Parliament, highlighting the unexpected nature and impact of stroke even at a young age. She discusses inequalities in access to treatment and rehabilitation across different regions.
Government Response
Dr Zubir Ahmed
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Government Response
Acknowledges the debate's importance in raising awareness. Commits to data interconnectivity among primary, secondary care, and social care for patient ease and auditing. Assures ongoing work on prevention, treatment, and care improvements. Reassured about the plan to provide world-class physiotherapy and timely access to clot removal treatments by April 2026. Addressed concerns regarding equitable care in Scotland, emphasizing UK Government's readiness to assist. Discussed reforms including community-based care, digital health advancement, prevention measures, heart health checks, blood pressure services, rehabilitation improvements, and partnerships with medtech companies for virtual reality stroke rehabilitation.
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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.