Business of the House

Kirsteen Sullivan Excerpts

Thursday 11th June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The hon. Gentleman will know that the Prime Minister was very clear at Prime Minister’s questions. We are putting more money into the health service. However, we are not always able to move with the speed the situation demands, not least because we inherited a whole series of plans from the previous Government that were simply not funded at all. We are making sure that where plans exist, the funding exists too. The Prime Minister was very clear that it is not a choice between funding the NHS or funding defence. We intend to fund both properly.

[Kirsteen Sullivan (Bathgate and Linlithgow) (Lab/Co-op)]

In March, I met the Women’s Health Minister, Baroness Merron, to discuss how women’s voices must be central to policymaking and clinical care. I was glad to see that clearly reflected in the refreshed women’s health strategy. However, after the Holyrood election, the role of Scottish Minister for women’s health was abolished and a single, dedicated voice on women’s health was lost. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on women’s health inequalities across the UK and the need to centre women’s voices in their care?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend has been a champion for women’s health issues, particularly as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on endometriosis, and I pay tribute to her for that. The news she brings is disappointing. Our renewed strategy will tackle the issues that women face every day and ensure that no woman is left behind in fighting to be heard. I encourage her to apply for a Westminster Hall or Adjournment debate to allow other hon. Members to share their views on the matter. The Scottish Government’s decision to not continue with that particular role is a matter for that Government, but I have to say that it shows their priority—or in this case, their lack of priority.