Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the independent report entitled National review of higher education student suicide deaths, published on 21 May 2025, whether she plans to introduce a duty of candour for the higher education sector.

This government is committed to working with higher education providers, experts, and students to turn the findings of the national review of higher education (HE) student suicides into real, lasting improvements. That means better support for students, a commitment to openness with families, and a sector-wide focus on preventing these heartbreaking tragedies.

The department continues to work with the HE mental health implementation taskforce to develop guidance and drive adoption across the sector. The taskforce will examine recommendations from the review, including the call for a duty of candour, and work to understand the most effective way to bring about change to ensure greater transparency with bereaved families following a suspected suicide.