Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ashley Dalton and Beccy Cooper

Tuesday 24th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dr Beccy Cooper (Worthing West) (Lab)]

12. What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his polices of recent trends in national wellbeing indicators.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ashley Dalton)]

We are revolutionising our country’s health and wellbeing through our 10-year health plan, which will deliver the three major shifts, boost life expectancy and improve mental health for everyone, everywhere. We are shifting from prioritising the tackling of sickness to prevention, including through action in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to create a smoke-free generation.

[Dr Cooper]

It is great to hear that wellbeing is being built in through the shift to prevention in our national health strategy. Does the Minister agree that we should now champion health in all policies, starting with the mandatory use of the wellbeing indicators available for the Treasury Green Book, which are currently used sporadically at best?

[Ashley Dalton]

My hon. Friend will know that that is a question for Treasury colleagues. However, we are a mission-led Government committed to healthy outcomes across Government, not just in the DHSC.