Business of the House

Bell Ribeiro-Addy Excerpts

Thursday 15th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am sure that the Health Secretary will want to make a statement to the House when we bring forward proposals. We will certainly look at other opportunities to debate this matter because, as the hon. Gentleman says, it is of huge concern to Members across the House.

[Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Clapham and Brixton Hill) (Lab)]

Sickle cell anaemia is the UK’s fastest growing genetic condition, with nearly 300 babies born with it every year. Instead of specialist capacity increasing, we are seeing the sickle cell day unit at the Royal London hospital facing a questionable six-month trial closure. This will put significant pressure on neighbouring services, extend emergency travel time by up to two hours, and place patients at serious and potentially fatal risk during a crisis. Five years after the sickle cell and thalassaemia all-party parliamentary group’s report, “No One’s Listening”, will the Government do what the last Government failed to and make a statement on their plans to deliver a national strategy for specific and specialised sickle cell treatment?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Given the importance of this matter, I am sorry to hear of the concerns that my hon. Friend raises and the fact that things are taking time. I would go further than simply raising it with Ministers; I think she should seek a meeting with Health Ministers so that she can raise those concerns with them directly.