Health Inequalities: Staffordshire
13 Jul 2026 · Commons Chamber · 10 speeches · Official record
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Audley health centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme is the fifth worst practice for asthma prevalence in our ICB and the rural practice with the highest number of people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Local GP Dr Richard Page puts that down to the prevailing wind blowing pollution from the M6 on the west side of the practice area, and notes that if green-belt land is released for the AB2 development, pollution will only get worse. It is excellent to see my hon. Friend the Minister a... Full speech
It’s the football, Mr Speaker-it’s Tuesday. Sorry. Full speech
I am not sure that it is just Opposition Members who are saying this. In Staffordshire and right across the country, more doctors can help to reduce inequalities, and many Labour Members, from the Cabinet to Back Benchers, promised that this Government would double the number of medical school places. The former Secretary of State and the current Minister for Care repeated that promise at the Dispatch Box. We were then told in a ministerial correction that the Government had never committed to d... Full speech
The health inequalities that exist in our country, including in Staffordshire, are an intolerable injustice. The Government are taking action to tackle them. From the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 to the new heart disease and strokes plan through the 10-year health plan, we are tackling the root causes driving ill health. Full speech
One measure that can be helpful in tackling inequalities across the country is independent feedback. Currently, Healthwatch collects independent feedback right across the country. Does the Minister agree with this Government’s plans to abolish Healthwatch, or does she share the concerns of the right hon. Member for Makerfield (Andy Burnham) that it will reduce the independent voice? Full speech
You need to stand up to say that. Exercise those knees. He’s getting old. Full speech
I thank my hon. Friend for his question and his good wishes. Improving air quality is a core part of the Government’s shift from treatment to prevention in our 10-year health plan. I know that my hon. Friend is very committed to cleaner air in his Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency, and I commend him for all his hard work in campaigning on Walleys Quarry-I know that his constituents will be grateful. With the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, we have introduced a new duty on ... Full speech
As the hon. Lady knows, we are putting the patient voice right at the heart of the health service, so although she may say that we are scrapping something, we are actually going to make it better. Full speech
11. What steps his Department is taking to help tackle health inequalities in Staffordshire. Full speech
I know that the hon. Lady has asked me about the 10-year workforce plan on many occasions, and it will be out shortly. In that plan, she will see that we are prioritising British graduates entering the workforce. Full speech