Tuesday 1st September 2020

(4 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Matt Hancock Portrait Matt Hancock
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

Yes I do, and I put everything I possibly have into driving it as fast as possible, subject to it working effectively.

Liz Twist Portrait Liz Twist (Blaydon) (Lab)
- Hansard - -

Today’s Office for National Statistics suicide statistics show that middle-aged men remain at the highest risk of suicide. It is well established that recessions can lead to increases in suicides, but that is not inevitable. What will the Secretary of State do to ensure that suicide prevention is a Government priority and that this group of people is supported through the recession caused by the covid-19 pandemic?

Matt Hancock Portrait Matt Hancock
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

The hon. Lady is quite right to raise this issue. It is good to see the figures showing that suicide rates have fallen, but we absolutely must and will remain vigilant.