Milburn Review: Interim Report Debate

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Department: Department for Work and Pensions

Milburn Review: Interim Report

Bradley Thomas Excerpts
Tuesday 2nd June 2026

(1 week, 1 day ago)

Commons Chamber
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Andrew Western Portrait Andrew Western
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I am very keen to look at all opportunities to bring down mental health lists, and if my hon. Friend wants to share information with me directly, I am happy to look at it further.

Bradley Thomas Portrait Bradley Thomas (Bromsgrove) (Con)
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Last week I met Sophie and Matt, two young entrepreneurs aged 24 and 19 who have bucked the trend and opened Toploaf Bakery, but they are already terrified about the long-term viability of their business. I hear this time and again from entrepreneurs who say they have nothing left in the tank—pressure put on them by this Government means that they are at risk of closing their business. When are the Government going to start listening to those who actually employ people?

Andrew Western Portrait Andrew Western
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As I said in response to an earlier question, we have the Mayfield review, we have a former chief executive of Marks & Spencer as a lead non-executive director at the Department, and we are talking to business all the time. That is how we have developed some of our initial thinking in this space, it is why we have brought forward the youth guarantee, and it is why we are incentivising businesses to hire young people. We are serious about helping them, and we will continue to do so.