NHS Workforce Expansion

Roger Gale Excerpts

Tuesday 28th February 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Roger Gale)]

We now come to the first Opposition day motion, on the subject of expanding the NHS workforce. I have to inform the House that Mr Speaker has not selected the amendment.

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[Several hon. Members rose—]

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Roger Gale)]

The Front Benchers have taken an hour and a quarter out of the time available for this debate. The Opposition have indicated that they would like to wind up at 4.30, meaning that the wind-up speeches should start at around 4.05. I think there are 11 Members standing. I am not going to set a time limit, but doing the maths, if all colleagues wish to get in, we are down to five minutes. It is up to you. If you choose not to allow your colleagues to speak, you can take longer.

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[Ashley Dalton (West Lancashire) (Lab)]

I am really glad that you have consistently raised the issue of covid. Could you suggest why it is that services such as the overnight children’s A&E at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital in my constituency, which was closed, allegedly due to covid restrictions, still remains closed to this day?

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Roger Gale)]

Order. I gently say to the hon. Lady that expression is through the Chair. This is a mistake that even those who have been here quite a while make. It is “the hon. Member”, not “you”.

[Ashley Dalton]

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker.

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[Several hon. Members rose—]

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Roger Gale)]

Order. We are now down to about three minutes a head if all colleagues are going to speak; it is entirely up to you.