Sarah Owen Portrait

Sarah Owen

Labour - Luton North

7,510 (19.4%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 12th December 2019


3 APPG Officer Positions (as of 18 Jun 2025)
Brain Tumours, British Muslims, Pakistan
3 APPG Memberships
Adult Social Care, Nuclear Energy, Boxing
5 Former APPG Officer Positions
Adult Social Care, Baby Loss, Hate Crime, Kashmir, Perpetrators of Domestic Abuse
Public Accounts Committee
11th Dec 2023 - 30th May 2024
Media Bill
29th Nov 2023 - 12th Dec 2023
Shadow Minister (Levelling Up, Housing, Communities and Local Government)
4th Dec 2021 - 15th Nov 2023
Opposition Whip (Commons)
14th May 2021 - 1st Jan 2023
Online Safety (Re-committed Clauses and Schedules) Bill
7th Dec 2022 - 15th Dec 2022
Social Housing (Regulation) Bill [HL]
23rd Nov 2022 - 29th Nov 2022
Health and Social Care Committee
2nd Mar 2020 - 4th Jul 2022
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee
22nd Feb 2021 - 5th Jan 2022
Business and Trade Committee
22nd Feb 2021 - 5th Jan 2022
Nuclear Energy (Financing) Bill
9th Nov 2021 - 25th Nov 2021
Health and Care Bill
7th Sep 2021 - 2nd Nov 2021
National Insurance Contributions Bill
16th Jun 2021 - 22nd Jun 2021
Compensation (London Capital & Finance plc and Fraud Compensation Fund) Bill
8th Jun 2021 - 15th Jun 2021


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Sarah Owen has voted in 206 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Sarah Owen Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Lindsay Hoyle (Speaker)
(9 debate interactions)
Hamish Falconer (Labour)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
(9 debate interactions)
Keir Starmer (Labour)
Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury
(8 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Cabinet Office
(15 debate contributions)
Department for Business and Trade
(11 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Fireworks Bill 2024-26
(1,752 words contributed)
Employment Rights Bill 2024-26
(833 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Sarah Owen's debates

Luton North Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petitions with highest Luton North signature proportion
Petition Debates Contributed

In modern society, we believe more consideration needs to be given to animal welfare and how livestock is treated and culled.

We believe non-stun slaughter is barbaric and doesn't fit in with our culture and modern-day values and should be banned, as some EU nations have done.


Latest EDMs signed by Sarah Owen

8th January 2024
Sarah Owen signed this EDM on Monday 8th January 2024

Sub-postmasters

Tabled by: Kate Osborne (Labour - Jarrow and Gateshead East)
That this House notes the increased awareness of the life-changing injustices experienced by sub-postmasters throughout the Horizon scandal; further notes it is now known as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in British history; notes with concern that sub-postmasters have served custodial sentences, suffered bankruptcy for offences they did not …
90 signatures
(Most recent: 13 May 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 39
Scottish National Party: 16
Liberal Democrat: 12
Independent: 10
Democratic Unionist Party: 4
Plaid Cymru: 3
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 2
Conservative: 2
Alliance: 1
Alba Party: 1
Green Party: 1
Workers Party of Britain: 1
5th June 2023
Sarah Owen signed this EDM as a sponsor on Friday 2nd June 2023

Luton Town Football Club, winners of the EFL Championship Play-Off 2022-23

Tabled by: Rachel Hopkins (Labour - Luton South and South Bedfordshire)
That this House congratulates Luton Town Football Club on winning the English Football League Championship Play-Off Final and being promoted to the Premier League; celebrates the contribution and success of the players, manager Rob Edwards, club staff and club’s officials, including the Chairman, David Wilkinson, and Chief Executive, Gary Sweet; …
9 signatures
(Most recent: 12 Jun 2023)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 4
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Independent: 1
Conservative: 1
Alba Party: 1
Scottish National Party: 1
View All Sarah Owen's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Sarah Owen, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Sarah Owen has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Sarah Owen has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

3 Bills introduced by Sarah Owen


A Bill to make provision about offences relating to the misuse of fireworks and penalties for such offences; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 21st January 2022
(Read Debate)

A Bill to extend entitlement to parental bereavement leave and pay to parents of babies miscarried or stillborn during early pregnancy; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

A Bill to make provision about the sale of fireworks; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 17th January 2025
(Read Debate)
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 12th September 2025

Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
2nd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent progress he has made on consulting with (a) campaign groups and (b) industry on reviewing fireworks legislation.

The Government has continued to engage with various stakeholders in regard to fireworks regulation and the impact of fireworks. This includes charities such as Combat Stress and the RSPCA, other MPs and the British Fireworks Association.

I continue to engage with stakeholders in regard to fireworks regulation to listen and understand views.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
17th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of investing in industrial sites in Luton North constituency.

DBT works with all regions in the UK to understand in detail the areas sector by sector potential for investors. In Luton, DBT has a strong working relationship with Luton Borough Council and the South Midlands Growth Hub, where we have a shared understanding of Luton’s strengths in areas such as manufacturing, automotive, creative & digital and the green economy.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions his Department has had with (a) OpenAI, (b) Google, (c) Anthropic and (d) Meta on workers’ rights.

The Plan to Make Work Pay sets out an ambitious agenda to ensure employment rights are fit for a modern economy, empower working people and contribute to economic growth.

Its reforms will strengthen the rights of workers, address the fragmented labour market enforcement framework, and support workers in balancing responsibilities outside work.

The Government is committed to working in partnership with businesses, trade unions and other stakeholders to deliver the Plan to Make Work Pay.

We have not had any engagement with OpenAI, Google, Anthropic or Meta on workers' rights.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
17th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to attract investment to towns historically impacted by de-industrialisation.

The Department works across the UK, including towns impacted by deindustrialisation, to showcase strong commercial investment opportunities to potential investors and support business to grow, and provides extensive support to small businesses through the network of Growth Hubs. The government’s Industrial Strategy will focus on tackling barriers to growth in highest potential growth-driving sectors and places, creating the right conditions for increased investment, high-quality jobs and ensuring tangible impact in communities right across the UK. The National Wealth Fund will support its delivery and mobilise billions of pounds of investment. Through the Government owned British Business Bank, we are also investing over £1billion through their regional Investment Fund programmes.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what representations his Department has made to industry on investment in towns historically impacted by de-industrialisation.

The Department works across the UK, including towns impacted by deindustrialisation, to showcase strong commercial investment opportunities to potential investors and support business to grow, and provides extensive support to small businesses through the network of Growth Hubs. The government’s Industrial Strategy will focus on tackling barriers to growth in highest potential growth-driving sectors and places, creating the right conditions for increased investment, high-quality jobs and ensuring tangible impact in communities right across the UK. The National Wealth Fund will support its delivery and mobilise billions of pounds of investment. Through the Government owned British Business Bank, we are also investing over £1billion through their regional Investment Fund programmes.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
23rd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to encourage international scientists to carry out research in British (a) universities and (b) laboratories.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 11 March to Question 36277.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
17th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what criteria his Department is using to select sites as AI Growth Zones.

Central government will lay out a selection process, and local / regional authorities will be able to nominate themselves to host an AI Growth Zone. Important criteria will include power infrastructure or line of sight to power, along with supportive local planning authorities.

The selection process will open in spring 2025, and we welcome interest from areas with strong power infrastructure and economic potential.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
17th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to (a) protect and (b) increase employment in AI growth zones.

AI Growth Zones (AIGZs) will be closely aligned with wider government initiatives, including Local Growth Plans. This is to ensure AIGZs deliver substantial regional and national benefits, such as upskilling and employment opportunities.

The investment in AI-enabled data centres will have a spillover effect in local communities, providing construction jobs, enhancing local skills, rejuvenating areas, and therefore driving the UK’s ambition to become a global hub for AI talent and investment.

UK government and local authorities will actively seek to secure the best deal possible for local communities where data centres are built, ensuring they benefit from ongoing direct employment.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
17th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of designating industrial sites in Luton North constituency as AI growth zones.

We are committed to working in partnership with regional and local authorities on AI Growth Zones (AIGZs). The selection process will open in spring 2025, and we welcome interest from areas with strong access to power infrastructure and economic potential. AIGZs will be closely aligned with wider government initiatives, including Local Growth Plans, to ensure they deliver substantial regional and national benefits.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
17th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of designating sites in Bedfordshire as AI Growth Zones.

We are committed to working in partnership with regional and local authorities on AI Growth Zones (AIGZs). The selection process will open in spring 2025, and we welcome interest from areas with strong access to power infrastructure and economic potential. AIGZs will be closely aligned with wider government initiatives, including Local Growth Plans, to ensure they deliver substantial regional and national benefits.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
28th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with telecoms companies on preventing fraudulent phone calls.

The Government takes fraud seriously. DSIT works closely with the Home Office, who are responsible for fraud policy, as well as Ofcom who have duty to ensure that UK numbers are not misused, to ensure telecoms companies are doing all they can to prevent criminals hijacking their networks to reach victims. From January, new Ofcom rules will require operators to block calls from abroad which present as a UK number.

We continue to work with the telecoms sector to ensure that as threats evolve so too does the response.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
18th Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle racism in sport.

The Government’s stance is unequivocal: racism has absolutely no place in our society, and no place in sport and activity. We are committed to stamping it out, from the elite level to the grassroots, ensuring that sport truly is for everyone, regardless of their background, or ethnicity.

The Government is working closely with the sector, particularly its Arm’s Length Bodies Sport England and UK Sport, and the national governing bodies, to tackle racism and discrimination in sport.

The online abuse directed at many athletes is appalling and deeply wrong. We stand with them in condemning it and demanding safer online experiences for everyone.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
10th Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of Sport England’s Planning Statutory Consultee status on the provision of sporting facilities in new housing developments.

The Government is reviewing the statutory consultee system, including Sport England, to promote growth and unblock building.

The statutory consultee system must work in support of development and economic growth—reflecting the central place of these objectives in the Government’s plan for change. A process is in place to consult on the impacts of removing a limited number of statutory consultees, including Sport England.

Access to open green spaces and playing fields is important, and we will work closely with MHCLG as part of their proposed reforms, and we remain committed to ensuring our playing field capacity is protected.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
10th Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she plans to take to support local and combined authorities in producing up to date Playing Pitch Strategies.

This Government is committed to expanding access to community and grassroots sport. Sport has the power to bring people together, to boost physical and mental health and act as social hubs in our communities.

We believe that in order to deliver fundamental change on inactivity levels, sport and physical activity needs to be fully embedded into local systems, including health plans, so communities feel empowered to own outcomes. We are therefore committed to moving to a place-based approach to physical activity across Government Departments.

The Government is acting to support more people in getting onto the pitch wherever they live. In March, we announced that we would invest £98 million into grassroots sport facilities across the UK through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme this year. We will build on this with at least £400 million invested into community sport facilities in the four years from 2026/27.

In England, our delivery partner the Football Foundation plans their investment pipeline based on Local Football Facility Plans (LFFPs), which have been developed in partnership with local authorities, community Football Associations and other sport stakeholders. They are currently being refreshed to reflect the current landscape, with updated plans due to be completed in this year.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
10th Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the protection of sporting facilities in the planning process.

The Government is reviewing the statutory consultee system, including Sport England, to promote growth and unblock building.

The statutory consultee system must work in support of development and economic growth—reflecting the central place of these objectives in the Government’s plan for change. A process is in place to consult on the impacts of removing a limited number of statutory consultees, including Sport England.

Access to open green spaces and playing fields is important, and we will work closely with MHCLG as part of their proposed reforms, and we remain committed to ensuring our playing field capacity is protected.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
14th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to support grassroots (a) women's and (b) girls' football.

The Government is committed to supporting every aspect of women’s sport and ensuring all women and girls, no matter their background, have access to high quality sport including football.

We are pleased to see the significant progress in the number of women and girls taking up football in recent years, and wider developments in the women’s game. In 2023, Karen Carney OBE published a major Independent Review of Women’s Football which made a series of recommendations including supporting grassroots women and girls’ football. This Government fully endorses those recommendations and looks forward to ensuring tangible progress is made.

The Government has set out its support for grassroots facilities, including through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities programme which provides funding to build and improve grassroots facilities and a commitment to support the Football Association’s ambition to double their number of gold-standard (3-star) community clubs by EURO 2028. This will deliver more opportunities for women and girls to get on the pitch.

The Football Association is a long-term partner of Sport England, and have received over £26 million of funding from them for the period 2022-27.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
11th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether applications received before March 2025 for therapeutic services under the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund will be considered for therapies beginning in the (a) current and (b) 2025-26 financial year.

To reduce gaps in therapy, adoption and special guardianship support fund (ASGSF) applications which were received before 31 March 2025 were permitted to extend up to 12 months, allowing children and families to receive continuing therapy across financial years. Where applications were approved, therapy which started up to and including March 2025 could continue into the next financial year, under previously agreed transitional funding arrangements.

Following an announcement on 1 April, the department is delighted to confirm that £50 million has been allocated to the ASGSF for the current financial year. More details on applications for funding for the 2025/26 financial year will be published shortly.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
11th Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 11 July 2025 to Question 65380 on Leagrave Station: Lifts, whether the completed 2023 Network Rail feasibility study for lifts at Leagrave station will expedite the progress of upgrades at the station.

This government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognises the social and economic benefits this brings to communities.

In May 2024, the previous government selected 50 stations for initial feasibility work for potential upgrades as part of our Access for All programme. This included Leagrave railway station. We expect to provide an update to stakeholders during the summer.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
7th Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent progress he has made with (a) Network Rail and (b) Govia Thameslink on the provision of lifts at Leagrave Station.

This government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognises the social and economic benefits this brings to communities.

In May 2024, the previous government selected 50 stations for initial feasibility work for potential upgrades as part of our Access for All programme. This included Leagrave railway station. We expect to provide an update to stakeholders during the summer.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
23rd Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when her Department plans to provide guidance to Network Rail for the construction of lifts at Leagrave Station.

I regret that Ministers are not yet able to comment on next steps regarding accessibility projects at specific stations including at Leagrave station. However, please be assured that we are committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognise the social and economic benefits this brings to communities. Once we can confirm our approach to individual projects, DfT Ministers will of course ensure that MPs and other key stakeholders are updated.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
19th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of enabling people over 65 who are not eligible for the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance to access mobility vehicle support.

Disability Living Allowance is aimed at providing additional help with the extra costs of disability to people who are severely disabled early, or relatively early, in life and who as a result, have had fewer opportunities to work, earn and save. Those who become disabled, or develop mobility needs, after reaching the age of 65 will have had no disadvantage on grounds of their disability during their working lives. It is normal for pensions and benefits systems to contain different provisions for people at different stages of their lives, because the help provided needs to reflect varying priorities and circumstances.

We will keep the policies of the department under review, to ensure they meet current needs.

Stephen Timms
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
27th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much funding his Department has (a) allocated to and (b) spent on the treatment and care of individuals subject to female genital mutilation in each financial year since 2014-15.

Clinical services for women affected by female genital mutilation (FGM) are locally commissioned and include standard National Health Service delivery, for example in obstetrics and gynaecology, as well as maternity FGM clinics for pregnant women and FGM support clinics. The Department does not directly commission FGM support services and does not hold information on local spend on FGM services.

Ashley Dalton
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
17th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he expects the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will make public their decision on licensing the personalised immunotherapy developed to treat the malignant brain tumour glioblastoma, DCVax-L.

Northwest Biotherapeutics has submitted a Marketing Authorization Application to the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for DCVax-L, an immunotherapy for glioblastoma. The MHRA is working with the applicant to reach a decision on this application, to ensure a thorough review that ensures quality, safety, and efficacy.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
17th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department is taking steps to increase routine heart screening for young people participating in (a) school and (b) university sports.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) last reviewed screening for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in people under the age of 39 in 2019 and concluded that population screening should not be offered. More information on the recommendation is available at the following link:

https://view-health-screening-recommendations.service.gov.uk/sudden-cardiac-death/

The UK NSC received a submission via its 2024 annual call process to consider SCD screening in young people aged between 14 and 35 years old engaging in sport. The Committee decided to explore this proposal further and the next step will be an evidence-mapping process. Young people engaging in organised sport was one of the population groups included in the 2019 review, so the evidence map in this area will form part of the work to update the last review.

Ashley Dalton
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
17th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to work with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to expedite market access to the personalised immunotherapy developed to treat the malignant brain tumour glioblastoma DCVax-L via the NHS.

DCVax-L has not yet been licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for use in the United Kingdom. The manufacturer has confirmed that it has submitted an application, and it is fully engaged with the Marketing Authorisation process. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) makes recommendations for the National Health Service on whether all new licensed medicines should be routinely funded by the NHS based on an assessment of clinical and cost effectiveness. NICE aims, wherever possible, to issue recommendations on new medicines close to the time of licensing by the MHRA. The NHS is legally required to fund medicines recommended by NICE, normally within three months of the publication of final guidance. NICE is in discussions with the manufacturer of DCVax-L about a potential appraisal, subject to licensing.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
3rd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to improve access to topical medication for prisoners.

People in prison are entitled to the same range and quality of health services as they would receive in the community.

NHS England commissions healthcare services across the prison estate, ensuring that healthcare providers can prescribe all medications available to patients in community settings. As a result, topical medications that are prescribable on an NHS prescription are also available for individuals within the prison estate.

Stephen Kinnock
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
8th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure those diagnosed with coeliac disease receive timely and appropriate treatment.

The Government is committed to putting patients first. This means making sure that patients are seen on time and ensuring that people have the best possible experience during their care.

We have made a commitment that 92% of patients should wait no longer than 18 weeks from Referral to Treatment within our first term. This includes those waiting for treatment for coeliac disease. As a first step to achieving this, following the Budget, we will deliver an additional two million operations, scans, and appointments across all specialities during our first year in Government, which is equivalent to 40,000 per week.

The Royal College of General Practitioners has an e-learning module on the diagnosis and management of coeliac disease and its immunological comorbidities, which is designed to raise awareness and understanding of the symptoms of coeliac disease amongst general practitioners and primary care professionals and support early diagnosis. The e-learning module highlights that untreated coeliac disease can have important consequences, including small bowel lymphoma and osteoporosis.

The NHS website is also a key awareness tool and contains useful information for the public about coeliac disease, its symptoms and how it is diagnosed and treated. This information is available at the following link:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coeliac-disease/

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has guidance on the recognition, assessment and management of coeliac disease, which is available at the following link:

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng20

The guidance outlines a number of symptoms which are suggestive of coeliac disease and suggests that any person with these symptoms should be offered serological testing for coeliac disease. The guidance also states that first-degree relatives of people with coeliac disease should also be offered serological testing.

11th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what (a) medical professionals, (b) charities, (c) organisations and (d) other groups the Commission on Human Medicines consulted on the provision of puberty blockers.

The Government’s response to the targeted consultation on proposed changes to the availability of puberty blockers was published on 11 December 2024, and details the individuals and organisations with which the Commission on Human Medicines consulted. It is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-changes-to-the-availability-of-puberty-blockers-for-under-18s/outcome/9702c8a7-3299-4a01-94dc-a63861786dd9

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
11th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what services NHS England gender services provide for children and young people.

NHS England commissions gender services for children and young people in line with its interim service specification for children and young people with gender incongruence.

Children and young people are cared for holistically by specialist multi-disciplinary teams based in specialist children's hospitals. The multi-disciplinary team should include expertise in paediatrics, psychological health, and neurodevelopmental conditions.

Each child or young person will have a tailored individual care plan to meet their needs. Depending on individual need, the gender service for children and young people will provide psychosocial and clinical interventions, including support for the family. Further information from the interim service specification is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/interim-service-specification-for-specialist-gender-incongruence-services-for-children-and-young-people/

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
21st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much the National Institute for Health and Care Research has spent on research into (a) gynaecological and urogynaecological health, (b) asthma and (c) diabetes in each of the last ten years; and what proportion of the NIHR’s overall spend each of those amounts represents.

The following table shows how much the National Institute for Health and Care Research spent on research, as well as that spend as a percentage of total research spend, for gynaecological and urogynaecological, each year from 2014/15 to 2023/34, and in total over that period:

Financial year

Spend

Proportion of total research spend

2014/15

£3,820,598

1.3%

2015/16

£4,119,736

1.4%

2016/17

£4,598,586

1.6%

2017/18

£5,794,355

1.5%

2018/19

£4,876,814

1.3%

2019/20

£5,558,241

1.3%

2020/21

£5,255,747

1.3%

2021/22

£5,808,297

1.2%

2022/23

£5,472,805

1.0%

2023/24

£6,381,906

1.3%

Total 2014 to 2024

£51,687,086

1.3%


Additionally, the following table shows how much the National Institute for Health and Care Research spent on research, as well as that spend as a percentage of total research spend, for asthma, each year from 2014/15 to 2023/34, and in total over that period:

Financial year

Spend

Proportion of total research spend

2014/15

£2,881,919

1.0%

2015/16

£3,148,352

1.1%

2016/17

£2,222,035

0.8%

2017/18

£4,451,842

1.2%

2018/19

£4,999,804

1.3%

2019/20

£8,823,017

2.1%

2020/21

£8,950,535

2.2%

2021/22

£7,378,125

1.5%

2022/23

£6,947,881

1.3%

2023/24

£8,733,915

1.7%

Total 2014 to 2024

£58,537,425

1.5%


Finally, the following table shows how much the National Institute for Health and Care Research spent on research, as well as that spend as a percentage of total research spend, for diabetes, each year from 2014/15 to 2023/34, and in total over that period:

Financial year

Spend

Proportion of total research spend

2014/15

£8,886,001

3.1%

2015/16

£8,570,471

2.9%

2016/17

£8,899,325

3.0%

2017/18

£12,240,087

3.3%

2018/19

£13,180,008

3.4%

2019/20

£17,097,212

4.1%

2020/21

£16,899,589

4.1%

2021/22

£21,713,745

4.3%

2022/23

£20,346,333

3.8%

2023/24

£25,271,594

5.1%

Total 2014 to 2024

£153,104,366

3.8%

21st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of GP practices are commissioned to fit long-acting reversible contraception for purposes of gynaecological care; and what the (a) fitting fee and (b) cost is of fitting long-acting reversible contraception in primary care.

Information on the proportion of general practices commissioned to fit long-acting reversible contraception for the purposes of gynaecological care, as well as the fitting fee and cost of fitting in primary care, is not collected centrally.

21st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many women's health hubs have been established; and in which integrated care board areas they are located.

The Department has invested £25 million over 2023/24 and 2024/25 to support the establishment of at least one pilot women’s health hub in every integrated care system. The 2024/25 NHS priorities and operational planning guidance asks integrated care boards (ICBs) to establish and develop at least one women’s health hub in every ICB by December 2024, working in partnership with local authorities.

NHS England has asked the ICBs to report regularly on their progress implementing the funding. As of September 2024, 36 of the 42 ICBs had had reported to NHS England that their women’s health hub was open. Those ICBs are:

  • NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB;
  • NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB;
  • NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB;
  • NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB;
  • NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB;
  • NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ICB;
  • NHS Cornwall and The Isles Of Scilly ICB;
  • NHS Coventry and Warwickshire ICB;
  • NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB;
  • NHS Devon ICB;
  • NHS Frimley ICB;
  • NHS Gloucestershire ICB;
  • NHS Greater Manchester ICB;
  • NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB;
  • NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB;
  • NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB;
  • NHS Kent and Medway ICB;
  • NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB;
  • NHS Lincolnshire ICB;
  • NHS Mid and South Essex ICB;
  • NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB;
  • NHS North Central London ICB;
  • NHS North East and North Cumbria ICB;
  • NHS North East London ICB;
  • NHS North West London ICB;
  • NHS Northamptonshire ICB;
  • NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB;
  • NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICB;
  • NHS Somerset ICB.
  • NHS South East London ICB;
  • NHS South Yorkshire ICB;
  • NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB;
  • NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB;
  • NHS Surrey Heartlands ICB;
  • NHS Sussex ICB; and
  • NHS West Yorkshire ICB.

The Birmingham, RAND, and Cambridge Evaluation, published in September 2024, identified 17 women’s health hubs in England which were established between 2001 and 2022. The report is available at the following link:

https://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hsdr/JYFT5036/#/abstract

The research notes the difficulty in locating models for women’s health hubs, meaning the research may not have captured all open women’s health hubs, in particular hubs that have opened more recently as locally-led initiatives.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
21st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has made in developing guidelines for polycystic ovary syndrome.

Following referral from the Department, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is currently planning the development of a guideline on the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. The NICE is exploring the possibility of collaboration with a reputable, guidance-producing partner to enhance the speed and efficiency of this work. The NICE’s website will be updated at the earliest opportunity, when expected timings are confirmed.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
21st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many invasive surgical procedures to (a) diagnose and (b) treat a reproductive health condition were not completed because of the level of pain experienced by the patient during that procedure in each of the last five years.

The information requested is not held centrally. A range of procedures are used to investigate and treat gynaecological conditions. For example, ultrasound can be used in the diagnosis of fibroids, hysteroscopy can be used to investigate symptoms such as unexplained vaginal bleeding, and laparoscopy can be used to diagnose and treat endometriosis.

The Government recognises that some procedures, such as hysteroscopy, can result in pain, and the level of pain experienced will vary between individual women. It is important that healthcare professionals provide women with information prior to their procedure so that women can make an informed decisions about the procedure and pain relief options, including the option of local or general anaesthetic.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
14th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans increase breast screenings for young women with (a) neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and (b) other determinants of being at risk of developing breast cancer.

All women with neurofibromatosis type 1 are eligible to begin screening at the age of 40 years old. This is 10 years below the normal screening age of 50 years old. Women can have screenings from a younger age if they have a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer, for example due to family history or an inherited gene such as BRCA.

14th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to develop standardised national guidelines for the (a) identification and (b) treatment of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

We remain committed to the UK Rare Diseases Framework, which highlights helping patients get a final diagnosis faster, and improved access to specialist care, treatment, and drugs as priorities to improve the lives of people with living with rare diseases.

NHS England commissions a service for adults and children with complex neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). This is provided by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. The overall aim of the service is to provide the highest quality of care to people with complex NF1 through accurate diagnosis, including genetic testing, coordinated care from a specialist multidisciplinary team, monitoring of complications of the disease, and referral to other specialties as required. The two national centres and a multi-disciplinary team of senior doctors and nurses co-ordinate diagnosis and long-term care of patients with complex NF1. A referral is needed to access this service, and both centres also accept non-complex NF1 referrals. The clinicians in the complex NF1 team contribute to the evidence base on this condition, including development of international guidelines. Genetic testing for NF1 is available through the NHS Genomic Medicine Service.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has no plans to develop a guideline on NF1. With the exception of health technology evaluations, where the NICE's responsibilities are clearly defined, the NICE will not routinely produce guidelines that relate to single rare diseases. Instead, they seek to identify commonalities between conditions to provide products that can be applied across multiple rare disease groups.

NICE guidelines are developed by experts based on a thorough assessment of the available evidence, and through extensive engagement with interested parties. They describe best practice, and healthcare professionals are expected to take them fully into account in the care and treatment of their patients, although they are not mandatory and do not override a clinician’s responsibility to make decisions appropriate to individual patients.

30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what percentage of the recent pay award for Agenda for Change staff will be funded from (a) existing NHS budgets, (b) the Departmental budget, (c) additional funding from the Treasury, (d) efficiencies, and (e) any other sources; and what consequential funding will be allocated to each of the devolved administrations as a result.

The statement from my Rt hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 29 July 2024 sets out the position across the Government, and includes departments making savings to pay towards the outcomes of the Pay Review Bodies. As the process for agreeing savings is not yet complete, at this point we cannot provide the breakdown requested.

However, the Government is committed to ensuring the National Health Service receives the funding it needs to pay for this deal. There will be no reduction in the availability or quality of frontline health and care services as a consequence of funding this pay award.

Any Barnett consequential would be provided to the devolved administrations in the usual way. Any additional funding that flows to the Department as a result would be at supplementary estimates in 2024/25.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
13th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with Rwandan counterparts on (a) human rights abuses and (b) violence against women and girls by militia groups in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The UK is closely monitoring the situation in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and continues to raise our concerns about reported human rights violations at the highest levels with the Governments of Rwanda and DRC, most lately by the British High Commissioner on the 13 January. The Minister for Africa also spoke with the Rwandan Foreign Minister on 9 January to emphasise the UK's concern at the recent escalation of violence in eastern DRC and ongoing violations of the current ceasefire agreement by armed groups, including M23.

As a member of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, the UK is especially concerned by the continuing high rates of violence against women and girls in eastern DRC. We continue to encourage the Governments of Rwanda and DRC to re-commit meaningfully to the Luanda regional peace process and deliver lasting protection for civilians, including those in particularly vulnerable communities.

2nd Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Pakistan government on (a) freedom of protest and (b) the (i) safety and (ii) rights of protestors.

The UK strongly supports individuals' rights to expression without censorship, intimidation or unnecessary restriction, and we will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to guarantee the rights of all people as laid down in Pakistan's Constitution and in accordance with international standards. I raised the importance of upholding civil and political rights with senior Ministers, including the Minister for Human Rights and Interior Minister, on my visit to Pakistan last month. The British High Commission also regularly raises these issues with the Pakistani authorities at a senior level.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
2nd Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential risk of transnational repression for British Pakistani critics of the Pakistan government.

The UK Government continually assesses potential threats and takes the protection of individuals' rights, freedoms, and safety very seriously, including in relation to Pakistan. Any attempt by any foreign power to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK will not be tolerated. Wherever we identify such threats, we will use all measures, including through our world-class police and intelligence services, to mitigate risk to individuals.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
2nd Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help protect British Pakistanis critical of the Pakistan government from transnational repression.

The UK Government continually assesses potential threats and takes the protection of individuals' rights, freedoms, and safety very seriously, including in relation to Pakistan. Any attempt by any foreign power to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK will not be tolerated. Wherever we identify such threats, we will use all measures, including through our world-class police and intelligence services, to mitigate risk to individuals.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
28th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

We recognise that there are human rights concerns in both India-administered-Kashmir and Pakistan-administered-Kashmir. We encourage all states to ensure domestic laws are in line with international standards. Any allegation of human rights violations or abuse is deeply concerning and must be investigated thoroughly and transparently.

Catherine West
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
25th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his oral statement of 19 July 2024 on Israel and Gaza, Official Report, column 301, what his planned timetable is for (a) the completion of his Department's comprehensive review of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law and (b) updating the House when that process is complete.

As soon as the Foreign Secretary came into office, he commissioned new advice on Israel's compliance with International Humanitarian Law, in the context of the war. This is an important and complex process, requiring detailed analysis of evidence, and close co-operation with other Government Departments, and is being undertaken urgently. The Foreign Secretary's decision, and the Government's decision on the related issue of arms exports, will be made public when the process is complete.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
23rd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in Bangladesh on (a) ending violence and unrest and (b) ensuring that (i) the right to peacefully protest is upheld and (ii) independent investigations will take place.

The Foreign Secretary and I have publicly called for an immediate end to the violence and unrest in Bangladesh, and for all sides to find a peaceful way forward. I discussed the situation with the Bangladesh High Commissioner to London on 19 and 23 July and stressed the need for democratic freedoms and the rule of law to be protected. The British High Commissioner to Bangladesh has engaged with Bangladesh government ministers reinforcing messages on de-escalation and the need for constructive dialogue to reduce tensions. We are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to engage with counterparts.

Catherine West
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
23rd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in Bangladesh on (a) possible human rights violations against protestors and (b) future protection of students.

I discussed my concerns regarding the violence in Bangladesh following protests with the Bangladesh High Commissioner to London on 19 and 23 July. The British High Commissioner has engaged with key ministers in the Bangladesh government to reinforce messages on de-escalation and the need for constructive dialogue to reduce tensions. The rights to protest, to peacefully assemble and to express different political views are rights the UK holds dear and must be protected. We will continue to raise the importance of respect for human rights and the rule of law with the Bangladesh government.

Catherine West
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)