Welfare

Debate between Helen Whately and Kieran Mullan

Wednesday 11th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Helen Whately]

I did refer to the Government’s own review and the work of Professor Fonagy, because that review says that the prevalence is not rising at the same rate as the claims. Clearly, something must be done to make sure that assessments are being done properly. That is very serious and it requires further work.

[Dr Kieran Mullan (Bexhill and Battle) (Con)]

The broader question is not so much whether the rates are going up, but whether having any of these diagnoses should preclude people from working.

[Helen Whately]

My hon. Friend makes a really important point, and—