Extreme Heat: Resilience of NHS Infrastructure

Debate between Baroness O'Grady of Upper Holloway and Baroness Merron

Tuesday 30th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

Clearly it is a different situation, in terms not of climate but of the estate. I know the noble Lord is aware of this, but it is worth pointing out that the social care sector is rather more fragmented and includes the private sector. However, for social care, advice is available about what measures to put in place, along with training.

[Baroness O’Grady of Upper Holloway (Lab)]

My Lords, many workers across many sectors are suffering unbearable temperatures that they are expected to work in, and that is increasing demand on the NHS and its services. Does the Minister agree with the principle that health and safety laws can drive adaptations in workplaces necessary for the health and safety of the workforce, as happened with the introduction of a minimum working temperature? Is it time that we had a maximum working temperature, as the TUC has called for?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I acknowledge the push my noble friend is making. She will understand that the decision she asked me to comment on is not one for my department, but I will certainly draw it to the attention of the appropriate ministerial colleague.

Healthy Life Expectancy: England

Debate between Baroness O'Grady of Upper Holloway and Baroness Merron

Monday 18th May 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I welcome the noble Baroness to her Front Bench on the important matter of health and social care. I am most grateful for her question. We have to be ambitious, which is what the 10-year health plan is doing, in transforming how we tackle the biggest causes of ill health. We are going to take a whole-society approach and a whole-person approach, rather than dealing just with conditions. To the points made earlier, we will be working with individuals—as in the public—and in partnership with business and civil society.

[Baroness O'Grady of Upper Holloway (Lab)]

My Lords, ever since the Marmot report, we have known that poor-quality employment is a key driver of lower healthy life expectancy. The Employment Rights Act is a big step forward, but does my noble friend the Minister agree that we need action on asbestos removal from workplaces and public places, more boots on the ground in the shape of health and safety inspectors, and a boost to occupational health services in the UK?