Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23 June 2025 to Question 58603 on Occupied Territories: Arms Trade, whether he has had discussions with his Israeli counterparts on (a) the use of military equipment supplied before the suspension of certain export licences and (b) that equipment supplied by remaining export licences must not be re-assigned to support military operations in (i) Gaza and (ii) the West Bank.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I regularly engage with my Israeli counterparts on a range of issues including the Israeli Defence Forces' (IDF) conduct in Gaza. We continue to urge that any Israeli actions must be in line with International Law. Subject to the specific measures taken to protect the global F-35 programme, we are clear there are no export licences currently being used by the IDF in military operations in Gaza or the West Bank.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to increase cardiac screening for people with a familial risk of sudden cardiac death.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The UK National Screening Committee last reviewed screening for sudden cardiac death in young people in December 2019. After carefully considering the evidence, the committee concluded that a screening programme in all young people under the age of 39 years old should not be offered in the United Kingdom. Further information is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/screening-for-risk-of-sudden-cardiac-death-not-recommended

Research showed that current tests are not accurate enough to use in young people without symptoms. Incorrect test results can cause harm by giving false reassurance to individuals with the condition, which may have been missed by the screening test, whilst individuals without the condition may receive a positive test result, which can lead to unnecessary tests and treatments.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when the National Screening Committee plans to publish an update to guidance on screening for sudden cardiac death in people under 39.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) is currently examining the evidence for this condition and will open a public consultation to seek comments from members of the public and stakeholders on this in due course. Further information, including on how to keep up to date on the work of the UK NSC, is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-national-screening-committee

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to (a) improve the early detection of cancer, (b) reduce cancer care waiting times and (c) increase cancer survival rates.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

As the chances of survival are higher if a cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, early diagnosis is a key priority for the Government. The forthcoming National Cancer Plan, which will complement the 10-Year Health Plan and support delivery of the Government’s Health Mission, will set out further actions to improve early diagnosis.

Reducing waiting times for cancer care is also a priority for the Government. As the first step to ensuring faster diagnosis and treatment, we have delivered an extra 100,000 operations, scans, and appointments each week.

The National Cancer Plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for all cancer patients across the country, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment. It will aim to ensure that patients have access to the latest treatments and technology, and will ultimately bring this country’s cancer survival rates back up to the standards of the best in the world.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of offering prostate cancer screening to men considered to be at high risk on (a) NHS costs and (b) health outcomes.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department is guided on screening policy by the UK National Screening Committee. The committee has commissioned a university to carry out a high quality review and cost effectiveness model of the evidence for a national prostate cancer screening programme. The work will include costs and health outcomes. This includes targeted approaches to high risk groups and an offer to all men defined by age. The committee expects to receive the report later this year.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will implement a national youth health strategy to reduce mortality in people under 39 that includes (a) mental health conditions and (b) sudden cardiac death.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government is already taking action to improve the physical and mental health of young people. The Government is co-producing a National Youth Strategy which will set out a long-term vision for young people, aged 10 to 21 years old, and up to 25 years old for those with special educational needs and disabilities, and provide them with meaningful choices and chances.

The 10-Year Health Plan to reform the National Health Service will make it fit for the future and better support children, young people, and adults. The Government is committed to taking a cross-Government strategic approach to children and young people’s mental health, and will recruit 8,500 additional mental health staff by the end of the Parliament and will expand mental health support teams in schools in England.

NHS England is currently working with a range of stakeholders to review the national service specification for inherited cardiac conditions. This will support patients who often present as young adults with a previously undiagnosed cardiac disease, or families requiring follow up due to a death from this cause, including sudden cardiac death. The service specification can be accessed at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/cardiology-inherited-cardiac-conditions.pdf

There are no current plans to implement a national youth health strategy.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will conduct a review on the prevention of sudden cardiac death that includes (a) an estimation of the incidence of sudden cardiac death, (b) methods to (i) detect and (ii) minimise cardiac conditions and (c) recommendations for future research.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

NHS England is currently working with a range of stakeholders to review the national service specification for inherited cardiac conditions. This covers patients who often present as young adults with previously undiagnosed cardiac disease or families requiring follow up due to a death from this cause, including sudden cardiac death. The service specification can be accessed at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/cardiology-inherited-cardiac-conditions.pdf

Over the past five financial years, 2019/20 to 2023/24, The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has invested £145 million in cardiovascular and stroke research directly through NIHR research programmes. The NIHR has also made other significant investments in NIHR infrastructure that collectively strengthen specialist facilities, the workforce, and support services to enable research in the health and care system. This investment has enabled significant cardiovascular disease and stroke research funded by other funders to take place.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of issuing guidance to schools on (a) the potential impact of Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder on learning abilities and (b) supporting children with Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder in education settings.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

The government recognises that children who have Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder (FVSD) can present with a range of learning needs, and thus schools have a legal responsibility to support them. Schools must use their best endeavours to make sure a child or young person gets the special educational provision they need, this includes monitoring the progress of pupils regularly and putting support in place where needed, which may include a specialist assessment.

The special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) code of practice sets out that all schools should apply a ‘graduated approach’ when deciding on the provision to be made for a particular child or young person with special educational needs, such as FVSD.

Pupils at school with medical conditions should be properly supported so that they have full access to education. In 2014, the government introduced a duty on schools to support pupils with all medical conditions and published statutory guidance intended to help governing bodies meet their legal responsibilities. This guidance sets out the arrangements they are expected to make, based on good practice. Schools should ensure they are aware of any pupils with medical conditions and should have policies and processes in place to ensure these can be well managed.

‘Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions’ can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5ce6a72e40f0b620a103bd53/supporting-pupils-at-school-with-medical-conditions.pdf.

The department is committed to improving support for all children and young people with SEND, including those with FVSD.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to support people in education who are affected by Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

The government recognises that children who have Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder (FVSD) can present with a range of learning needs, and thus schools have a legal responsibility to support them. Schools must use their best endeavours to make sure a child or young person gets the special educational provision they need, this includes monitoring the progress of pupils regularly and putting support in place where needed, which may include a specialist assessment.

The special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) code of practice sets out that all schools should apply a ‘graduated approach’ when deciding on the provision to be made for a particular child or young person with special educational needs, such as FVSD.

Pupils at school with medical conditions should be properly supported so that they have full access to education. In 2014, the government introduced a duty on schools to support pupils with all medical conditions and published statutory guidance intended to help governing bodies meet their legal responsibilities. This guidance sets out the arrangements they are expected to make, based on good practice. Schools should ensure they are aware of any pupils with medical conditions and should have policies and processes in place to ensure these can be well managed.

‘Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions’ can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5ce6a72e40f0b620a103bd53/supporting-pupils-at-school-with-medical-conditions.pdf.

The department is committed to improving support for all children and young people with SEND, including those with FVSD.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has issued guidance to schools on supporting children affected by Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

The government recognises that children who have Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder (FVSD) can present with a range of learning needs, and thus schools have a legal responsibility to support them. Schools must use their best endeavours to make sure a child or young person gets the special educational provision they need, this includes monitoring the progress of pupils regularly and putting support in place where needed, which may include a specialist assessment.

The special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) code of practice sets out that all schools should apply a ‘graduated approach’ when deciding on the provision to be made for a particular child or young person with special educational needs, such as FVSD.

Pupils at school with medical conditions should be properly supported so that they have full access to education. In 2014, the government introduced a duty on schools to support pupils with all medical conditions and published statutory guidance intended to help governing bodies meet their legal responsibilities. This guidance sets out the arrangements they are expected to make, based on good practice. Schools should ensure they are aware of any pupils with medical conditions and should have policies and processes in place to ensure these can be well managed.

‘Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions’ can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5ce6a72e40f0b620a103bd53/supporting-pupils-at-school-with-medical-conditions.pdf.

The department is committed to improving support for all children and young people with SEND, including those with FVSD.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many Education Health and Care plans were given to children aged between seven and 15-years-old that have a diagnosis of Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder in 2024.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

The department does not hold statistics on how many children with foetal valproate spectrum disorder are issued with education, health and care (EHC) plans.

Information on the primary type of need for all children and young people with EHC plans is available here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/f9f635d7-6712-4e64-172f-08ddbed4c851.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of a public awareness campaign on foetal valproate spectrum disorder.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

There are mechanisms in place to minimise the risk of foetal harm associated with valproate, and to ensure that healthcare professionals are also able to support any babies and families that are affected. These are considered to be more targeted than a public awareness campaign.

The valproate Pregnancy Prevention Programme ensures that women and girls taking valproate understand the potential risks should they become pregnant, are using effective contraception, and are regularly monitored. It is supported by educational materials for healthcare professionals and patients, and describes the neurodevelopmental disorders and major congenital malformations associated with the use of valproate in pregnancy, with information available electronically and in a hard copy format for healthcare professionals.

The programme was updated in January 2024 to reflect updated Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency advice that valproate must not be started in new patients, either male or female, younger than 55 years old, unless two specialists independently consider and document that there is no other effective or tolerated treatment, or there are compelling reasons that the reproductive risks do not apply. It was advised that women and girls of childbearing potential already receiving valproate should have their treatment discussed by two specialists at their next annual review. The requirement for two specialists to review these patients is a one off, and subsequent annual reviews required under the Pregnancy Prevention Programme are undertaken by a single specialist.

Further information on the valproate pregnancy prevention programmes is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/valproate-pregnancy-prevention-programme-actions-required-now-from-gps-specialists-and-dispensers

In addition, there are 14 Maternal Medicine Networks, in place across England, who provide expert care to women with complex medical conditions, including epilepsy, before, during, and after pregnancy, to ensure appropriate investigation and management to improve maternal and foetal outcomes.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what information his Department holds on the number of children who received a diagnosis of Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder between (a) January 2010 to 2015, (b) January 2015 to 2020 and (c) January 2020 to 2025.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Everyone who has been harmed from sodium valproate has our deepest sympathies. The information requested is not collected centrally.

The National Disease Registration Service in NHS England, which collects and quality assures data about people with congenital anomalies and rare diseases across the whole of England, is assessing the feasibility and reliability of better ascertainment of foetal sodium valproate syndrome by linking data in the congenital anomaly register to primary care prescription data. Further information on the National Disease Registration Service is available at the following link:

https://digital.nhs.uk/ndrs

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to ensure the provisions of (a) education and (b) training to help midwives support pregnant women who have been diagnosed with epilepsy.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

It is the responsibility of approved education institutions and practice partners to develop the specific content and design of midwifery programmes to meet standards set by the midwifery regulator, the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Employers in the health system are responsible for ensuring that their staff are trained to the required standards to deliver appropriate treatment for patients, including for pregnant women who have been diagnosed with epilepsy.

Guidance produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on epilepsies in children, young people, and adults, last updated in January 2025, has a number of recommendations for supporting pregnant women with epilepsy. The NICE guidance states that women and girls with epilepsy who are planning pregnancy or who are pregnant should be referred to an epilepsy specialist team for a review of their antiseizure medication options. Information should be shared between the epilepsy specialist team, a specialist obstetric team, and primary care professionals. Discussions should take place about the relative benefits and risks of adjusting medication, including discussing the balance between the risks of poorly controlled seizures and the risks to the baby when antiseizure medicines are taken during pregnancy, so that an informed decision can be made.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce waiting times for (a) child and adolescent mental health services, (b) paediatric services and (c) other services for people affected d by foetal valproate spectrum disorder.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department will continue to work across Government and with the National Health Service to reduce waiting times to access support for the mental and physical health needs of people with rare conditions like foetal valproate spectrum disorder.