Nottingham Maternity and Neonatal Services

Baroness Manzoor Excerpts

Monday 29th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I will be pleased to raise that with my ministerial colleague in the Cabinet Office. I agree that an oversight mechanism is very important. On the Bill—which will, of course, become an Act—it is key to note that it will establish a new duty of candour and assistance at inquiries, inquests and other investigations. To the point that we are discussing here, the Bill will also allow for that duty of candour to be applied to health investigations by regulation. That is crucial, and it is by using that power that we will ensure that the Leeds and Sussex reviews, which are live, are included through secondary legislation.

[Baroness Manzoor (Con)]

My Lords, I align myself with the comments that have been made by the noble Lord, Lord Kamall, and the noble Baroness, Lady Pidgeon. This a totally devastating outcome. I pay tribute to the families that have been affected in this way.

I am just absolutely disturbed by the quality of the governance at the trust. I am shocked. I have chaired a number of trusts. To not put patient safety first and to not have the data available to make that judgment is absolutely appalling. Therefore, in terms of accountability, will the Minister assure me that the chief executive, the chair or, indeed, any members of the board who have been given honours as a result of their service to their trust are stripped of them? It is not an honour; it is absolutely devastating, and there has been a lack of duty in what they have achieved.

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I completely understand the noble Baroness’s point. I am grateful for her sensitivity on this subject. I do not feel qualified to comment on honours and their removal, but I will raise it with the appropriate ministerial colleague to say that this is a view—exactly as the noble Baroness said. I know that she is not alone in feeling that.