NHS Long-term Plan

Debate between Matt Hancock and Lord McLoughlin

Monday 7th January 2019 Commons Chamber

[Matt Hancock]

We will listen to and learn from what clinicians say about what legislative changes are needed now. This document is all about concentrating on what is the right thing for the future, rather than the blame culture that we are trying to get rid of in the NHS.

[Sir Patrick McLoughlin (Derbyshire Dales) (Con)]

I very much welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement and the fact that he has been able to announce future spending so that hopefully the planning for how those resources are spent can be done properly. Will he also bear in mind that, during the period of the national health service, some 60% of the time there has been a Conservative Secretary of State, which shows very much the support and commitment of the Conservative party to the health service? Regarding the money that he is talking about, what will he do to ensure that people see and understand what is being spent locally?

[Matt Hancock]

As my right hon. Friend says, from its inception and the first White Paper throughout most of its history, the NHS has been supported and nurtured by a Conservative Secretary of State, and long may that continue.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Matt Hancock and Lord McLoughlin

Thursday 21st June 2018 Commons Chamber

[Matt Hancock]

I think the outcomes from the NCS are very powerful. It brings communities together and it is one of the most effective things that we have in making sure that people come together at a young age and understand our national life as a whole. Of course we are always seeking to improve its administration; the hon. Gentleman would expect nothing less.

[Sir Patrick McLoughlin (Derbyshire Dales) (Con)]

Will the Secretary of State give us the number of people who participated last year, and the number who are expected to participate this year? What is he doing to widen participation?

[Matt Hancock]

Just over 99,000 young people participated in the NCS last year. This year, the target is 100,000—so a little bit higher. We are looking to increase and broaden participation so that people from all backgrounds and communities get the opportunity to engage. In fact, engagement is very strong among the most disadvantaged groups.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Matt Hancock and Lord McLoughlin

Thursday 10th May 2018 Commons Chamber

[Matt Hancock]

Of course, as well as moving its national headquarters outside London, Channel 4 has committed to increase its production spend outside London to 50%, much of which will end up in the devolved nations. I am delighted to say that Channel 4 currently seems to be very popular right across the country. Once it has made its decision to go to one particular place, I hope it remains popular everywhere else.

[Sir Patrick McLoughlin (Derbyshire Dales) (Con)]

But would not Birmingham be a better choice?

[Matt Hancock]

I like to make decisions, but I am delighted that this is one I do not have to make.