Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Karin Smyth and Patrick Hurley

Tuesday 14th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Patrick Hurley (Southport) (Lab)]

T10. What more can the Government do to ensure that social enterprises delivering NHS services get the same support as internal NHS trusts, and play a bigger role in NHS reform?

[Karin Smyth]

These organisations play an important role. We are making sure that they are treated fairly, and are supported to play a bigger role. They will be supported by the forthcoming plan for voluntary, community and social enterprise spending targets to 2028, and a combined action plan for small and medium-sized enterprises and VCSEs. That will include measures to ensure clearer visibility of opportunities, earlier market engagement, proportional financial and evaluation requirements, and a strong performance on prompt payment across the health system.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Karin Smyth and Patrick Hurley

Wednesday 28th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Karin Smyth]

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to say that osteoporosis disproportionately affects women and plays a crucial part in absence from the workforce. Baroness Merron, who leads on this work, and I met Charlie Mayfield when he was looking at how to get more women back into the workforce, and we will ensure that women’s health and these sorts of long-term conditions are part of that. I cannot commit to an MSK strategy, but we are absolutely committed to including this in our renewed women’s health strategy.

[Patrick Hurley (Southport) (Lab)]

7. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce inequalities experienced by children in poverty.