Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make it his policy that doctors (a) should have a mandatory duty to report suspected cases abuse and neglect and (b) should be given immunity from suit after reporting such cases.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Doctors have a professional duty, in accordance with the General Medical Council’s Good medical practice, to act promptly if they think that patient safety is or may be seriously compromised. This includes ensuring a patient is receiving basic care to meet their needs and ensuring there are adequate premises, equipment, resources, and policies. Doctors must also consider the needs and welfare of people who may be vulnerable and offer help if they have concerns that a patient, or someone close to them, may be at risk of abuse or neglect. If doctors have concerns that a colleague may not be fit to practise, or that patient safety may be put at risk, they must also take action, including reporting cases if necessary.

Failure to uphold and adhere to the principles within Good medical practice and the related guidance will put a professionals’ registration with the General Medical Council at risk. Doctors in leadership roles must create an environment where people can talk about concerns safely. The Government supports the right of staff working in the National Health Service to speak up, and has put in place measures to support staff to raise a concern, including legal protections for whistle-blowers. My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has no current plans to introduce additional measures to protect doctors from being sued after reporting suspected cases of abuse and neglect.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will hold discussions with (a) broadcasters and (b) social media companies on making more sporting events freely available to watch live.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

I routinely hold discussions with a range of stakeholders in the sector where we cover matters relevant to sports and television, including free-to-air access to sporting events.

The Government wants major sporting events to be made available on free-to-air television so that they can be enjoyed by a wide audience. However, this must also be balanced with the ability of sporting organisations to generate revenues to invest in their sports, at all levels.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to amend rules on competent states for UK citizens residing in the UK who are (a) subject to EU Regulation E883/2004 and (b) receiving a small pension from another country.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

There are no plans to review the rules relating to competent states. The EU Regulation 883/2004 only applies to those in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement. The role of these regulations is to coordinate the differing EU social security systems. The UK is bound by these international agreements and cannot change how the competent state is determined.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans his Department has to tackle the lack of access to mains running water for residents of Aysdalegate Cottages in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency; and what steps he plans to take to help ensure those residents have access to a reliable and safe water supply.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Private drinking water supplies are regulated by local authorities, who receive scientific and technical advice from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). To ensure water is safe to drink, local authorities sample and identify water quality risks, can serve notices to correct any issues identified, and have remedial powers if those responsible for the supply do not comply with the notice.

To secure a reliable and sufficient supply, legislation allows a water company to charge for the cost of making a new connection. As the independent economic regulator, Ofwat ensures companies are acting responsibly and transparently in the services they provide and set charges that reflect the cost of undertaking the work.

The DWI regularly publishes research on private water supplies, which helps local authorities to conduct risk assessments and to fulfil their regulatory responsibilities. Defra also works closely with DWI to ensure the provision of safe, clean drinking water.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of mental health provision for (a) serving members of the armed forces and (b) veterans (i) during the transition to civilian life and (ii) generally.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to the health and wellbeing of our Armed Forces personnel. All Service personnel have access to mental health support throughout their career, including medical and non-medical services.

For those personnel requiring medical intervention the Defence Medical Services (DMS) responsive, flexible, accessible and comprehensive treatment service. The DMS is reshaping mental health provision to reduce waiting lists, improve timelines for patient recovery and refocus on earlier intervention. There will be a single point of access for specialist mental health networks allowing quicker access to initial assessment and earlier allocation to the right treatment pathway. DMS is increasing access to resources and online therapy to improve the care offered by GPs.

Several non-medical interventions across Defence complement medical services, including key MOD initiatives such as the Defence Senior Leaders Mental Fitness and Resilience course (SLMFR), HeadFIT and the Annual Mental Fitness Brief (AMFB). Additionally, each of the single Services provide through career mental health and stress management training.

Where personnel leaving the Armed Forces have an enduring need for mental healthcare, the DMS works in partnership with the NHS to ensure continuation of care. Personnel who have been assessed and diagnosed with a mental health need are able to access Departments of Community Mental Health for up to six months after discharge to provide continuity of care during the transition period until appropriate handover to other services can be completed as required.

The Veterans Welfare Service and Defence Transition Service deliver additional support to Service leavers and their families who are most likely to face challenges as they leave the Armed Forces, including facilitating access to NHS services. Wherever they live in UK, veterans can access bespoke services, including Op COURAGE in England.

Op COURAGE, the Veterans Mental Health, and Wellbeing Service, provides an integrated mental health care pathway for veterans. Op COURAGE has received over 35,000 referrals. In addition to these services, NHS Integrated Care Boards commission NHS talking therapies, which have received over 13,400 referrals over the same time period.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the suicide rate amongst armed forces veterans in England and Wales for (a) 2019, (b) 2020, (c) 2021, (d) 2022, (e) 2023 and (f) 2024.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon. Gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 30 January is attached.

Found: Griffiths of Burry Port Baroness Harris of Richmond Lord Jones Danny Kruger Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall Luke Myer

Found: Griffiths of Burry Port Baroness Harris of Richmond Lord Jones Danny Kruger Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall Luke Myer