Sudden Cardiac Death in Young People

Phil Brickell Excerpts

Monday 15th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Chris Vince]

I absolutely pay tribute to my hon. Friend’s constituent and the work that has been done in memoriam, which is hugely important. I thank my hon. Friend for raising it. His intervention goes to show the number of lives that have been affected in this way.

My first key ask is a national NHS screening pathway for active young people, beginning with amateur and grassroots athletes. My second ask is routine ECG screening for all 14 to 18-year-olds at least twice, ensuring early detection before symptoms occur. My third ask is equitable access, so that screening is not limited to those who can pay for it privately. My fourth ask is that we use emerging evidence, including the forthcoming large-scale audit, to update NSC guidance and remove outdated barriers. My fifth ask is that we prioritise prevention by recognising the decades of life lost per young person and the long-term economic and societal impact.

[Phil Brickell (Bolton West) (Lab)]

My hon. Friend is making a powerful speech and giving an extensive list of recommendations to the Government. He talked earlier about defibrillators. There is an important point about access to defibrillators and where they are sited in constituencies. Does he agree that it is also important to ensure that those who need to use defibrillators have the training, knowledge and skillset to confidently do so in a safe manner?