Liz Twist MP: speeches

Speeches

• 9 Jul 2026 · Health Bill (Fifteenth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I recently held consultation meetings on the proposed SEND reforms in Blaydon and Consett. The message from parents was clear in both places: they wanted greater integration of health into EHCPs. I welcome the Government’s commitment to asking ICBs to work more closely with local authorities to develop SEND reform plans and tackle this issue. Does the Minister agree that it is important for ICBs to take that on board?

• 9 Jul 2026 · Health Bill (Fifteenth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I would point to examples such as in the north-east of England, where the work on smoking has been incredibly effective and still continues, and makes that real shift and change. Does my hon. Friend agree that it is those practical examples that we need to see, and to support along the way?

• 9 Jul 2026 · Health Bill (Fifteenth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I want to emphasise a point that has already been made, which is the positive impact of the agreement for people with rare and undiagnosed conditions. As the Minister will know, I have worked with a number of those organisations, and this is certainly an opportunity for innovative treatments to be funded, as they might not have been before. I thank the Minister for that.

• 9 Jul 2026 · Health Bill (Fifteenth sitting) · Hansard source

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  As the Minister says, many people in this room have had experience of being a carer for a family member. She said that there is already a legal framework, but carers are clearly saying that they need a bit more. How will the Government ensure that we provide not just words and legal documents, but help on the ground?

• 9 Jul 2026 · Health Bill (Fifteenth sitting) · Hansard source

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  It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Ms Lewell. I listened with great interest to the hon. Member for Winchester talking about the new clauses; they have a great deal of similarity to new clause 89, in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for Shipley (Anna Dixon). We all know that it is absolutely vital to look after our carers. They do a huge amount of work to support us and make sure that people are kept at home and cared for. New clause 89 covers a number of issues, and would create a duty on health bodies to provide information and advice to unpaid carers and task the Secretary of State with providing that service. It would ask first for information about medicine and medicine records, which we talked about a few days ago. Beyond that, it asks for information about services and support available from the NHS to help in their role as carers, and about support for their own needs and health, which are hugely important. It also asks for information about the support available to them and how to get more advice in their role. I will not go over all the arguments again, but we heard about Carers UK’s “State of Caring” survey in 2025. Some 29% of carers say that they need more information and advice about caring, such as support with clinical tasks or managing someone’s condition. Many of them provide support with medication and administering it. Many also monitor blood pressure or sugar level, dress wounds and use equipment. In all these new clauses about carers, the discussion is about how we can best support carers in that role. They have a vital role, and I know that the Government recognise the important contribution they make to healthcare, so it is important that we consider the issue here.

• 9 Jul 2026 · Health Bill (Fifteenth sitting) · Hansard source

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  Does my hon. Friend agree that, as well as the physical aspects of health and extending life expectancy, we need to look at preventive measures for mental health? That will ensure that people live as good and full a life as they can, and receive the treatment they need. Does my hon. Friend see that as integral to any public health strategy?

• 9 Jul 2026 · Violence against Women and Girls: Prosecution Rates · Hansard source

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  6. What steps she is taking to help increase prosecution rates for crimes involving violence against women and girls.

• 9 Jul 2026 · Violence against Women and Girls: Prosecution Rates · Hansard source

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  It is absolutely vital that victims are at the heart of our justice system. My Blaydon and Consett constituents know that for too long, the system has not been working for victims of rape and serious sexual offences. What impact does the Solicitor General believe that the early victims’ right to review will have for victims?

• 9 Jul 2026 · Health Bill (Fourteenth sitting) · Hansard source

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  rose —

• 9 Jul 2026 · Health Bill (Fourteenth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I just gently wanted to make that point.

• 9 Jul 2026 · Health Bill (Fourteenth sitting) · Hansard source

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  Some excellent points have been made about corridor care; I know that all of us want to see that improved. It is a serious issue for all of our residents, and the Minister and others will be working hard to do all they can to address it. May I gently point out the irony of colleagues on the official Opposition side raising all these issues now as if they have had a Damascene conversion, when they had 14 years to try and address them? I remember raising these issues in the House when my party was in Opposition. We are not undermining in any way the concerns about corridor care, because we all care deeply about it. [ Interruption. ]

• 9 Jul 2026 · Health Bill (Fourteenth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I want to touch on the point made by the hon. Member for Isle of Wight East in his intervention. We absolutely agree that the public are concerned with what we do for the future. We are talking about a specific Bill here. There is a huge concentration of effort in getting those figures down. We absolutely agree that people want to look to the future and whether this is the way to do it.

• 7 Jul 2026 · Health Bill (Thirteenth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I was flattered to hear my comments on Second Reading quoted by the hon. Member for Sleaford and North Hykeham, but I think she has misunderstood me. My question to the Minister was and still is about how we maintain within the new arrangements the ability to speak up on behalf of others. Could the Minister comment on that?