Support for Infants and Parents etc (Information) Bill [HL]

Baroness Merron Excerpts

Friday 15th November 2024 Lords Chamber

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Care (Baroness Merron) (Lab)]

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Farmer, for bringing this Bill to the House and for meeting me to discuss it. I have no doubt whatever that he will continue to advocate for children’s health with his customary passion and dedication. I am also thankful to the noble Baroness, Lady Berridge, for enabling today’s debate.

This Government are committed to raising the healthiest generation of children in this nation’s history. However, as I expressed at Second Reading, while the intentions of the Bill are good, we need to be able to deliver a package of support for infants, children and families that is comprehensive rather than piecemeal. Through our mission-led approach, the Government will drive long-lasting and sustainable change for babies and children. As the Prime Minister has confirmed, in the coming weeks, we will publish clear ambitions for each mission, putting the health and well-being of our children at the heart of everything we do.

While we cannot support the Bill of the noble Lord, Lord Farmer, I can assure your Lordships’ House that we will continue to work tirelessly to improve the lives of babies and children right across the country.

A privilege amendment was made.