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Acquired Brain Injury Action Plan
04 December 2025
Lead MP
John Hayes
South Holland and The Deepings
Con
Responding Minister
Ashley Dalton
Tags
Employment
Word Count: 12322
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
John Hayes raised concerns about acquired brain injury action plan in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP calls for a cross-departmental approach to brain injury and argues for the creation of a statutory right to rehab in every region.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Around 350,000 people a year are admitted to hospital with acquired brain injury—that is one every 90 seconds. About 125,000 of those are admitted following a traumatic brain injury, around 43,000 with brain tumours and others following strokes. The cost to the UK economy through healthcare, social care, lost productivity and wider public services is £43 billion annually, which equates to 1.3% of GDP.
Mid Sussex
The MP emphasises the long-term struggles faced by individuals with acquired brain injuries due to inadequate support systems, including insufficient access to rehabilitation and workforce shortages.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
Acknowledged the debate's importance and thanked Sir John Hayes for his work on acquired brain injury issues.
Ashley Dalton
Lab
Preston
Confirms the government's commitment to publish an acquired brain injury action plan in the first half of next year, reflecting cross-Government engagement and stakeholder input.
Ely and East Cambridgeshire
Praised Brainkind Fen House for its support of people with acquired brain injuries, highlighting a constituent’s story who regained abilities after rehabilitation. Emphasised the need for clearer pathways to secure ongoing rehabilitation funding.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Acquired brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in those aged between one and 40. Every 90 seconds, someone somewhere in this country is admitted to hospital with acquired brain injury.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Highlights the impact of road traffic accidents on children's health, advocating for better recognition and support for mild brain injuries. Urges clinicians to consider the possibility of a brain injury when diagnosing symptoms.
James Frith
Lab
Bury North
Suggests creating an independent, football-funded body to support former professional footballers affected by neurodegenerative diseases due to brain injuries.
Jonathan Brash
Lab
Hartlepool
Mr Brash highlighted that around 160,000 people are hospitalised each year due to acquired brain injury and the real cost exceeds £43 billion. He called for a statutory right to rehabilitation and proper data collection.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Offers thanks to the Minister for understanding the importance of an ABI action plan and warns that if the plan is not seen, MPs will return with increased intensity.
North East Fife
Pays tribute to Graham Geddes who set up Headway North East Fife. Emphasises the importance of local charities in providing support for those affected by acquired brain injuries.
Government Response
Ashley Dalton
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Government Response
The Minister acknowledges the importance of the debate on acquired brain injury, highlighting efforts to prevent brain injuries through public awareness campaigns, blood pressure checks in pharmacies, and the roll-out of mechanical thrombectomy services. She confirms plans to ensure universal access to these services by Easter next year. The Minister also addresses concerns about social care integration and neuro-rehabilitation services, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive plan with clear delivery timelines. Details the Government’s commitment to a comprehensive ABI action plan alongside the 10-year health and workforce plans, emphasizing collaborative work across government sectors.
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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.