Topical Questions

Dame Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/Co-op) asked the Minister for Women and Equalities about her departmental responsibilities, particularly in relation to supporting black and minority ethnic women who are victims of domestic violence. The Minister acknowledged the tragic case of Valerie Forde, Hillier's constituent, and stated that the government is working to ensure all victims of violence against women and girls receive the support they need, including through police training and standards. Mims Davies (East Grinstead and Uckfield) (Con) asked the Minister to assure the House that the funding and commitment for the successful opt-out HIV and hepatitis testing programme in A&Es will remain. The Minister responded that officials are working on further plans, which will be set out shortly, and that the government is keen to work with MPs across the House to eradicate new HIV and AIDS infections. Steve Race (Exeter) (Lab) asked the Minister for Women and Equalities whether she agrees with the view that maternity pay has "gone too far." The Minister for Women and Equalities, Anneliese Dodds, firmly rejected this assessment, stating that supporting women to return to work and progress, while being able to spend time with their families, is crucial for growing the economy. Wendy Morton (Aldridge-Brownhills) (Con) asked the Minister to confirm that the funding to support women's and girls' football, which was committed by the previous government, will continue. The Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson, assured the House that the government is determined to encourage women and girls to participate in sport and physical activity, and that this is being considered as part of the curriculum and assessment review. Joe Morris (Hexham) (Lab) asked the Minister for Social Security and Disability to work with the Department for Transport to ensure that Great British Railways puts disabled access at the heart of its plans. The Minister, Sir Stephen Timms, confirmed that accessibility is a key priority and that the unified rail network will enable more reliable and consistent improvements to accessibility across the network. Kirsty Blackman (Aberdeen North) (SNP) raised the issue of the implementation of the Cass review and asked the government to commit to ensuring that trans people have access to the healthcare they need and that waiting lists are brought down as soon as possible. The Minister for Women and Equalities, Anneliese Dodds, acknowledged the long waiting lists and stated that the Health Secretary is focusing on this issue, as well as on LGBT health more broadly, as part of the government's mission to improve the NHS.