Topical Questions

Carolyn Harris, the Labour MP for Neath and Swansea East, asked the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, to consider including menopause assessments in the free NHS health checks for women. Streeting agreed to meet with Harris, acknowledging her tireless campaigning on this important issue. The new Shadow Secretary of State, Victoria Atkins, welcomed Streeting and his team, but questioned his previous comments describing a 35% pay rise demand by junior doctors as "reasonable", noting that this would cost an additional £3 billion. Streeting responded that they were negotiating in good faith with junior doctors to agree on a settlement that the country can afford. Atkins also asked Streeting to confirm that he would implement in full the recommendations of the Cass review, including exercising "extreme caution" in the use of cross-sex hormones for young people. Streeting stated that the matter was sub judice due to a judicial review, but reiterated the government's commitment to the full implementation of the Cass review to improve the wellbeing, safety and dignity of trans people of all ages. Other Labour MPs, including Satvir Kaur, Tom Rutland, Sean Woodcock, Matt Western, and Danny Beales, raised concerns about NHS waiting lists, staffing shortages, and the need for investment in healthcare infrastructure. The government ministers, including Karin Smyth and Stephen Kinnock, acknowledged the issues and outlined plans to address them. Conservative MPs, such as Blake Stephenson and Kit Malthouse, welcomed the government's commitments to rebuild or refurbish GP surgeries and replace Basingstoke hospital. Esther McVey raised concerns about the UK's sovereignty in relation to the World Health Organisation, which Streeting addressed.