Health and Social Care Leadership Review

Debate between Sajid Javid and Nick Smith

Wednesday 8th June 2022 Commons Chamber

[Sajid Javid]

I know my right hon. Friend speaks with experience, and I appreciate that he will not have had time to look at the report in detail yet, but I think when he does read it he will find that it is precisely what he has just asked for. This is not a reorganisation; it is all about strengthening management, and the report sets out in quite some detail how that can work.

[Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)]

I agree with the right hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) on NHS reorganisations. I once met a very senior and very able NHS manager who said they had been through 14 restructures of the NHS and they quite liked number five. How will this review better integrate ambulance services with their local hospitals to improve performance standards for local patients?

[Sajid Javid]

When it comes to ambulance services, an important part of the NHS, this review is just as important. We all want to see good leadership in ambulance services, but if we get better leadership across the board we will see better collaboration and co-ordination—something heavily referred to in the report.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Sajid Javid and Nick Smith

Tuesday 11th February 2020 Commons Chamber

[Sajid Javid]

My hon. Friend is right. Local transport is the backbone of our community, which is why hopefully a welcome announcement will be made today on buses and cycling—a new £5 billion package on local transport. There is also the £150 million fund for smaller projects to deal with congestion hotspots. I would be pleased to consider the Chickenhall Lane link road in the next available competition.

[Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)]

Blaenau Gwent needs investment in the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff train line for extra services. The shared prosperity fund could be a crucial route to providing that. When will the fund be ready to support infrastructure projects in our eastern valleys?

[Sajid Javid]

The hon. Gentleman will know that, as we transition from EU structural funds to the shared prosperity fund, it will be important that we set out exactly how that will work. With reference to his question, it means that the Welsh Government will have to work closely with us to see how we can use that for infrastructure projects in Wales.

Immigration: DNA Tests

Debate between Sajid Javid and Nick Smith

1st reading: House of Commons
Thursday 25th October 2018 Commons Chamber

[Sajid Javid]

I have listened carefully to what the hon. Gentleman has said about his constituent’s situation. If he sends me further information, I shall be happy to take a look.

[Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)]

Former Gurkha soldiers who served in our armed forces deserve the very best treatment. Specifically, what new speedier systems will be established to support those brave families better in the future?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Sajid Javid and Nick Smith

Tuesday 11th December 2012 Commons Chamber

[Sajid Javid]

My hon. Friend has been an assiduous campaigner on this issue and I welcome the strength of his campaign. I am still reflecting and considering. I am aware that campaigners will come here tomorrow and intend to meet a couple from my own constituency.

[Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)]

T10. Eleven jobseekers are chasing every vacancy in Blaenau Gwent. Does the Chancellor think that the Work programme will prove to be good value for money?