Campaign response - Health and Social Care Act
Thank you to those who sent a copy of a campaign email regarding the Health and Social Care Act although I was very concerned that its content set out to completely misrepresent the amendment made in good faith by the government to the Health and Social Bill (now act).
Whilst my inbox has seen so many supporting the Health and Social Act, there have been others raising concerns following media reports which I fear have not been accurate in their reporting. Thus, some do not appreciate that under the new scheme everyone will be better off. I am pleased to be able to correct any misunderstanding.
The house of Commons library is completely independent of any party produced a document on this which opens with these lines: “From October 2023, the Government will introduce a new £86,000 cap on the amount anyone in England will have to spend on personal care over their lifetime. This is part of the Government’s planned adult social care reforms (PDF).” It goes on to set out the reasoning including a section “Government’s rationale: A fairer system.” You can see the full report here: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/cap-on-care-costs-the-governments-proposed-amendment-to-the-health-and-care-bill/
Countless governments have dodge the issue of adult social care. This one has acted and raised the billions necessary to see this all become a reality.
Thank you again for your copy of a campaign email
Campaign response - Dementia funding campaign - March 2022
Thank you for contacting me about dementia diagnosis and research. As a carer for a family member who suffers from it, I fully understand the need to do everything we can to help people and their families who are affected by this cruel disease.
I entirely agree that research is crucial to understanding and tackling dementia, and I was proud to stand on a manifesto that committed to making finding a cure for dementia one of the Government's biggest collective priorities.
I look forward to the publication of the dementia strategy later this year, which will focus on the specific health and care needs of people living with dementia and their carers, including dementia diagnosis and research.
The 2021 Spending Review saw £5 billion committed to health-related research and development and I understand that work is ongoing to finalise outcomes from the spending review and to identify ways to significantly boost research on dementia, which is encouraging. I was supportive of the Government's announcement in November of a £375 million investment, over the next five years, to improve understanding and treatment for a range of neurodegenerative diseases, including different types of dementia.
It is disappointing that, due to the impact of the pandemic, the estimated dementia diagnosis rate fell below the national target for the first time since 2016. While the rate has recovered slightly since the early part of the pandemic, there is more to do if we are to reach the national target for two thirds of people with dementia to be formally diagnosed.
I appreciate you sharing your suggestion for the upcoming Spring Statement with me, and I will ensure that colleagues in the Treasury are aware of this.
Campaign response: Please oppose Diana Johnson MP’s extreme abortion amendment (NC50); Please support amendments to stop sex-selective abortion, lower the general time limit and introduce an equal disability abortion time limit - November 2021
I have been contacted by constituents concerning amendments to the Health and Care Bill relating to abortion.
As their elected representative and a well-known pro-life MP, I stand firmly against any measure to liberalise abortion any further in the UK and in an ideal world, would like to see a decrease in the current abortion limit of 24 weeks, not least as we continue to have one of the highest gestational limits among European nations (at 24 weeks), significantly higher than the average of 12-13 week.
This is what one of the amendments – New Clause 31 – sought to achieve, by reducing the upper gestational limit for abortion from 24 to 22 weeks’ gestation. The current 24-week limit is based on an outdated understanding of the viability of premature babies. The latest guidance from the British Association of Perinatal Medicine establishes 22 weeks’ gestation to be the point of viability and enables doctors to intervene to save premature babies from 22 weeks. The latest research indicates that a significant number of babies born at 22 weeks’ gestation can survive outside the womb, and this number increases with proactive perinatal care.
Another issue that I have spoken out strongly against sex-selective abortion – an appalling practice that should not be tolerated anywhere in the world. There is an increasing body of first-hand testimony from UK-resident women who say that they have been coerced into obtaining sex-selective abortions in the UK and abroad – A recent Department of Health and Social Care report on sex-selective abortion has detailed the personal testimonies of women who had been coerced into obtaining a sex-selective abortion in the UK by their partner or family.
I also view disability as another unacceptable condition on which pregnancies should be terminated. Disabled children deserves as much of a chance at life as able-bodied children. A recent high profile court case brought by Heidi Crowter, 26, who has Down’s syndrome has highlighted the continued allowance of disability discrimination in abortion. Ms Crowter has consistently described how the current law makes her feel that her life is not as valuable as anyone else’s.
Many constituents have written to me to highlight many examples of well-known individuals who suffer from conditions such as Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate, and Clubfoot at birth, but nevertheless have gone on to make important contributions in sports, entertainment and the arts. Indeed, all of the current work and emphasis by the government on promoting better help and support for the disabled would all be meaningless, if society could simply choose whether a child deserves to be born or not based on their physical or mental state.
I also note recent polling conducted on disability and abortion, which has again shown strong support by the public, with 2 in 3 thinking it is unacceptable to ban abortion for gender or race but allow it for disability.
New Clauses 51 to the Health and Care Bill sought to clarify that abortion on the ground of sex of the foetus is illegal, while New Clause 52 would have introduced an upper gestational limit on abortion on the grounds of disability equal to the upper gestational limit set out in section (1)(1)(a) of the Abortion Act.
As these amendments (NC 31, 51 and 52) were probing amendments, they were not taken to a vote, but I am pleased that a large number of MPs across the House showed their support by signing them. Had they been moved to a vote I would have fully supported them.
Finally I am aware that a large number of constituents have written to me to express their concerns over Diana Johnson’s latest legislative attempt to liberalise and undermine existing legal and medical safeguards on abortion.
Her amendment New Clause 50 would have further threatened unborn babies and women by changing the Offences Against the Person Act so that the current medical and legal safeguards, which prevent a woman from performing her own abortion without the involvement of a registered abortion provider, would have been removed through to 28 weeks.
Constituents will be pleased to learn that Diana Johnson’s NC50 was not selected for a vote by the Speaker. This was possibly due to her proposals being outside of the main scope of the Health and Care Bill. Again, had the Speaker allowed for a vote on NC50, I would have voted emphatically against it.
They can be assured as long as I have the privilege of serving as your Member of Parliament I will continue oppose any measure to relax the current rules on abortion.
I have worked with pro-life organisations such as Right to Life and SPUC locally and nationally and I will continue to stand against any efforts to liberalise abortion in Parliament.
Campaign reply - Adult Social Care - July 2021
I have received emails concerning adult social care and below is my response to this campaign:
The matters raised are of concern to me and I have raised these issues with ministers before receiving your campaign email.
As never before this government is going to fix social care and adult social care. It was amongst the first things the prime minister said when he entered Downing Street; it featured heavily in the Conservative Party manifesto; it is a live issue in Westminster right now and during the course of my work as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the health secretary I know that the plans and proposals will be issued later this year.
I know the prime minister and have been privileged to work more closely with him than otherwise might be the case because of the pandemic and my PPS role. Despite the enormity of the impact of the pandemic, a once in a hundred year event, with the associated costs and government focus on combating this terrible disease, it has not detracted from the resolve of the prime minister and the government to make progress on tackling this age old problem.
I am keen to see the proposals which are due out shortly and firmly believe that we will see this critical area of care finally addressed.
Campaign reply: Please oppose Diana Johnson's extreme abortion up to birth amendment - July 2021
Many constituents have been getting in touch with me to express their concerns over the latest attempt by some MPs to amend government legislation and liberalise abortion.
As their elected representative and a well-known pro-life MP, I stand firmly against any measure to liberalise abortion any further in the UK and in an ideal world, would like to see a decrease in the current abortion limit of 24 weeks, not least as we continue to have one of the highest gestational limits among European nations (at 24 weeks), significantly higher than the average of 12-13 week.
I will of course oppose any measure to make abortion up to birth
I believe Diana Johnson’s amendment is not within the scope of the Policing Bill and I hope the Speaker will take a similar view and not select it for a vote
However, rest assured that if the amendment is selected by the Speaker and moved to a vote I will be voting against it and urging colleagues to do the same.
I continue to work closely with pro-life organisations such as Right to Life and SPUC to ensure that pro-life voices are heard in Parliament. I also a member of the cross-party pro-life group of MPs and together we work to raise awareness around the health and ethical implications of abortion.
Thank you again to constituents for taking the time to get in touch to bring my attention to this important issue.
Campaign response: Please urge Helen Whately MP to support vital MND research - April 2021
Thank you to constituents for getting in touch regarding motor neurone disease and the importance of ensuring Government investment into MND research continues.
MND is a serious terminal condition that affects many people including a significant number who live in our constituency. There is currently no cure for MND. The Government has made clear that it fully recognises the value of medical and scientific research into dementia and neuro-degeneration, including motor neurone disease (MND), and is committed to providing funding support for this research work.
In 2019/20, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), through the Medical Research Council (MRC), spent £13.4 million on Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research. This included research which aims to increase our understanding of the causes and genetic mechanisms of MND and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) a form of MND. Over 5 years (2015/16 - 2019/20) MRC expenditure relevant to MND and ALS totalled £45 million.
UKRI, through the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, supports a diverse portfolio of neuroscience research and innovation totalling around £30 million per annum. This work underpins MND research by furthering our current understanding of:
- the structure and function of the nervous system
- cell biology and genetics
- mental processes including learning and memory
- and neuro-degeneration as a result of normal ageing
Their portfolio of funded research also includes awards to projects seeking to understand the biology of neuromuscular systems and motor control which has underpinning relevance to MND, with an average annual spend of £1.2 million.
Additionally, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) funds research through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). It is not usual practice to ring-fence funding for particular topics or conditions. The NIHR welcomes funding on applications for research into any aspect of human health, including MND. Applications are subject to peer review and judged on open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money, and scientific quality.
Over the past five years, DHSC has spent over £9 million on MND research through NIHR programmes and infrastructure. In 2018-19 alone, the NIHR invested £2.2 million in MND research through the NIHR research programmes and the NIHR Clinical Research Network. Additionally, the NIHR research infrastructure supported 73 research studies and trials on MND in 2018-19.
I am pleased to learn that the Care Minister, Helen Whately MP, is meeting with officials from the National Institute for Health Research, leading MND researchers and MND charities to discuss the Government’s role in funding targeted research into MND on 29 April. I have every confidence that the Minister will reaffirm the Government’s commitment to backing MND research. Instead of adding my name to the joint letter to the Minister, I will be taking a more direct approach of engaging with the Care Minister myself to raise the importance of this matter and ensure that she is aware ahead of the meeting on the 29th.
Campaign response: Please support an assisted dying inquiry - April 2021
I am grateful to constituents for writing to me about assisted suicide in recent weeks.
There is little question it is an incredibly sensitive and delicate issue. I hold a great deal of sympathy for people on both sides of the argument. I have carefully considered my own views on this matter before reaching a conclusion, especially since I am currently serving as the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Health Secretary.
Coping with terminal illness is distressing and difficult both for the patient and their families. I have read about cases that are truly moving and evoke the highest degree of compassionate and emotional response.
But if we, as a society, made assisted suicide legal, in my view we would be fundamentally changing the very foundation of civil society. We would be legitimising the fears and anxieties of so many sick and vulnerable people who worry that they are a burden on those around them and on society more widely. As a compassionate society, our response to suicidal feelings must never be a lethal injection.
For every person that we might consider to have a clear and settled wish to end their lives, there are countless others who are vulnerable, despairing and often lacking in support who may feel under pressure – internal or external – to go through with this decision.
This is the main reason that no major disability group favours a change in the law. It is also why none of the Royal Medical Colleges support a change in the law. In fact, the British Medical Association, the Royal College of GPs and the Royal College of Physicians, continues to oppose such a change for that very reason. Legalising assisting dying would fundamentally change the nature of the doctor/patient relationship. A doctor is not a detective and cannot reasonably be expected to investigate all of the relevant social factors involved in such a grave decision. That would take a close, consistent and long-term relationship which very few doctors have with their patients today. Any suggestion that this fundamental problem can be lessened by the arbitration on by a High Court judge is similarly groundless, as the judge would have even less knowledge and capacity to judge whether pressure, overt or covert, had been placed on the individual.
In Britain, we lead the world in palliative care. Our response to the physical and emotional pain of terminal illness must be to show compassion by extending and developing this further. Not by letting people die when they most need encouragement and assistance to live.
Therefore, it is my view that if we were to legalise assisted dying, we would be crossing a line that would lead to the devaluing of life.
At the same time I would also note that in recent months I have received a considerable amount of emails and letters from constituents expressing support of Parliament and the Government taking another look at the current arrangements and legal framework. I have taken time to read each piece of correspondence carefully in order to gain a better understanding of the latest scientific and clinical evidence on assisted suicide at home and abroad.
It is clear that whatever we may feel about this issue – we live in a democracy where the view of the majority will always prevail.
I do accept now that assisted suicide is something that needs to be kept under careful review, with more and more people who would previously have died long ago being kept alive by medical intervention and their quality of life is questionable. However I remain opposed in principle to any form of assisted suicide and will continue to speak up when I am able. I also believe we need to look into and improve palliative and end of life care – our response to the physical pain and emotional trauma of terminal illness must be to show compassion by extending and developing this further. Not by letting people die when they most need encouragement and assistance to live.
Thank you again to constituents for taking the time to write to me and express their views on this very important and sensitive issue.
Campaign response: APPG meeting on 27th April at 5pm - April 2021
Thank you to the constituents who have contacted to invite me to the APPG Choice at the End of Life’s meeting on the 27th of April.
I fully understand how sensitive but important the issue of assisted suicide is for many and have recently been hearing first hand from many people their own experiences, which evoke the highest degree of compassionate and emotional response.
Coping with terminal illness is distressing and difficult both for the patient and their families. Assisted suicide as a response to immense suffering towards someone’s end of life is a highly complex matter – should any changes be made, we must carefully consider the evidence as well the views of clinicians and patients carefully before coming to a decision.
In my role as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Health Secretary I have had the opportunity to raise and discuss these concerns with him directly.
I am assured that he is engaging with the views from both sides, including attending the next APPG Choice at the End of Life’s meeting in order to listen to those who would like a change in to the law to allow for assisted suicide.
I will do my best to attend this meeting and will ensure that someone from my team does so on my behalf if I am unable to.
Campaign response: Debate regarding MBRACE report on 19th April - April 2021
Constituents have been getting in touch with me regarding an upcoming debate on the the MBBRACE report published in 2020 (Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries across the UK).
While I am unable to find this debate listed on the official parliamentary calendar for the 19th of April, when it is confirmed I will do my very best to attend the debate.
My current position as the Health Secretary’s Parliamentary Private Secretary prevents me from speaking at any health-related debates in Parliament, but I will be sure to listen carefully to what my colleagues have to say at the debate and ensure that ministers are made aware of any concerns expressed.
Constituents can be assured of my continued commitment to speak up for the health and wellbeing of mothers of all races, including black mothers. If I can be of help to anyone in our constituency who experiences complications, injury or even death during pregnancy, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me as cases like these will always be treated as a matter of priority.
Campaign response: Women on the lowest incomes – abortion campaign - March 2021
Recently a number of constituents have written to me regarding the ‘Pills by Post’ abortion system, which was introduced last year as a temporary measure during the Covid-19 pandemic.
On one level, I understand why the decision was allowed, given the extraordinary pressures on the NHS that we experienced at the start of the pandemic. I also note that the Government has re-iterated on a number of occasions that these are time-limited measures that will be lifted as soon as the current situation is over.
But prior to the lockdown, there was a strong indication from the Health Secretary at the Despatch Box that our abortion policy is not changing, so when this decision was announced I was surprised to say the least.
Since this measure was introduced, as has been reported extensively in the media, a number of significant problems have put the lives and health of many women in danger. For instance, police in the Midlands launched a murder investigation last summer following the death of a newborn after a mum took abortion drugs posted to her. Other cases include a pregnancy being terminated at 28 weeks — four weeks after the legal limit. Inspectors at the Care Quality Commission are now investigating 13 significant incidents after identifying an “escalating risk” with medical terminations at home.
Furthermore, a nationwide undercover investigation has found evidence of abortion providers putting women at significant risk by not carrying out basic checks before sending them home abortion pills. The investigation also discovered home abortion pills can easily be obtained and administered to others, potentially in a coercive manner, which is especially concerning for domestic abuse victims: https://christianconcern.com/ccpressreleases/undercover-investigation-exposes-diy-abortion-service-as-unsafe-and-crossing-legal-boundaries/
Based on the evidence we have seen so far I am concerned that this form of ‘DIY’ abortion should become the norm after the pandemic. More than anything, I believe the health and safety of women have to be the priority and I am far from convinced that the current arrangement where women are able to easily obtain pills without adequate consultation and clinical assessment and carry out abortions without of any direct access to medical should be allowed to remain beyond the pandemic.
In Westminster I have the privilege of serving the Health Secretary Matt Hancock as his Parliamentary Private Secretary, and I have spoken to him at length about the contentious matter of abortion, as it is a conscience issue and MPs are free to vote based on their beliefs and personal views.
I know he is very much aware of the latest situation with at telemedical abortions and is consulting with the care minister and medical professionals urgently to look into the issues that have come to light.
I hope the above adequately sets out my position on this important issue.
Campaign response: Support legal, safe, and compassionate assisted dying - February 2021
Thank you to constituents for contacting me regarding the issue of assisted suicide in recent months.
There is little question that the issue of assisted suicide is an incredibly sensitive and delicate one. I hold a great deal of sympathy for people on both sides of the argument. I have carefully considered my own views on this matter before reaching a conclusion, especially since I am currently serving as the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Health Secretary.
Coping with terminal illness is distressing and difficult both for the patient and their families. I have read about cases that are truly moving and evoke the highest degree of compassionate and emotional response.
But if we, as a society, made assisted suicide legal, in my view we would be fundamentally changing the very foundation of civil society. We would be legitimising the fears and anxieties of so many sick and vulnerable people who worry that they are a burden on those around them and on society more widely. As a compassionate society, our response to suicidal feelings must never be a lethal injection.
For every person that we might consider to have a clear and settled wish to end their lives, there are countless others who are vulnerable, despairing and often lacking in support who may feel under pressure – internal or external – to go through with this decision.
This is the main reason that no major disability group favours a change in the law. It is also why none of the Royal Medical Colleges support a change in the law. In fact, the British Medical Association, the Royal College of GPs and the Royal College of Physicians, actively oppose such a change for that very reason. Legalising assisting dying would fundamentally change the nature of the doctor/patient relationship. A doctor is not a detective and cannot reasonably be expected to investigate all of the relevant social factors involved in such a grave decision. That would take a close, consistent and long-term relationship which very few doctors have with their patients today. Any suggestion that this fundamental problem can be lessened by the arbitration on by a High Court judge is similarly groundless, as the judge would have even less knowledge and capacity to judge whether pressure, overt or covert, had been placed on the individual.
In Britain, we lead the world in palliative care. Our response to the physical and emotional pain of terminal illness must be to show compassion by extending and developing this further. Not by letting people die when they most need encouragement and assistance to live.
Therefore, it is my view that if we were to legalise assisted dying, we would be crossing a line that would lead to the devaluing of life.
I would also note that in recent months I have received a considerable amount of emails and letters from constituents expressing support of Parliament and the Government taking another look at the current arrangements and legal framework. I have taken time to read each piece of correspondence carefully in order to gain a better understanding of the latest scientific and clinical evidence on assisted suicide at home and abroad.
It is clear that whatever we may feel about this issue – we live in a democracy where the view of the majority will always prevail.
I do accept now that assisted suicide is something that needs to be kept under careful review, with more and more people who would previously have died long ago being kept alive by medical intervention and their quality of life is questionable. However I remain opposed in principle to any form of assisted suicide and will continue to speak up when I am able. I also believe we need to look into and improve palliative and end of life care – our response to the physical pain and emotional trauma of terminal illness must be to show compassion by extending and developing this further. Not by letting people die when they most need encouragement and assistance to live.
I hope the above helps to set out my position. I would like to thank constituents again for taking the time to write to me about this important and sensitive issue.
Campaign response: Please show me you support safe, publicly run Test and Trace
Thank you to constituents for their email regarding our Test and Trace system and the kind invitation to meet with them virtually on Friday 25 September to show our support to healthcare workers and discuss issues with the Test and Trace system further.
I have nothing but the deepest respect and admiration for all our frontline workers, who are working as hard as they ever have to save lives and keep the nation going despite the continued spread of Covid-19. I am sorry that I was not able to join the video call on 25 September, although if constituents have any specific concerns regarding Covid-19 or anything else that they would like to raise with me directly they are more than welcome to get in touch with my office (office@stevedouble.org.uk) to ask for a surgery slot to meet with me – I regularly hold surgeries to help constituents resolve issues that affect them and hear their concerns. These appointments can be carried out by telephone or video call during the current restrictions.
In response to the points made in their email regarding the apparent failings of our Test and Trace system, I must say that while there have certainly been hiccups along the road to building a world-leading system, I fundamentally disagree with their assertion that “It's becoming clearer by the day that the privatisation of Test and Trace hasn't worked”.
Our Test and Trace has worked well for most people who use it and that continues to be the case. Test and Trace has identified nearly 2.5 million people who may have been unknowingly carrying the virus and we now have capacity for more than 500,000 test every day. Of course, there is more to be done, which is why NHS Test and Trace are increasing staffing levels, automating more processes, and adding more capacity to both do more tests and improve turnaround times.
Since the start of this pandemic, we have built a diagnostics industry almost from scratch that has given us one of the best testing rates in the world – and we are determined to build on this progress. Our testing rate is now ahead of the majority of European countries, with 1 in 8 people in England having been tested for Covid-19 since the launch of the NHS Track and Trace on 28th May. Recent data shows UK is currently doing more testing than other comparable countries – for every 1,000 people we are testing 3.50 people each day (Germany tests 1.97, Spain tests 2.38, and France tests 1.87).
Just this past week we had the much welcomed announcement by the Health Secretary – to whom I have the privilege of serving as Parliamentary Private Secretary – that two new mega-labs in England and in Scotland capable of providing a total of 600,000 daily coronavirus test results are to be created. These labs are not only essential in our fight to beat coronavirus, but will also help us to build back better so that we are better prepared in future for testing on a massive scale.
Opposition parties including Labour criticise the Government over the involvement of private labs in testing, but fail to provide an alternative as to how they would source the vast majority of tests. On the contrary, the ideological demonisation of the private sector risks making it harder for people who need one to get a test. Instead, the Government have long envisaged both national and local elements of Test and Trace – and provided funding as far back as May to local leaders to support this. To defeat this awful virus we will need to harness the best of both the private and public sectors and allow them to work in tandem rather than undermine each other.
Indeed the recent very positive news about the development of effective vaccines for COVID-19 are all as a result of the private sector working with the government and NHS. We simply would not be in the positive position we are now in, where the roll out of a vaccine is within reach, without the private sector playing a key role.
The below published statistics on the performance of the Test and Trace system further refute the notion that it has been a failure:
Since NHS Test and Trace launched (28 May to 4 November)
◦ 149,253 people tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) at least once in England between 29 October and 4 November.
◦ 1,520,687 people were tested at least once for COVID-19, similar to the previous four weeks. A total of 10,831,912 people has been tested at least once since Test and Trace began.
◦ The median distance to in-person testing sites (pillar 2) for booked tests has stayed constant over the last three weeks. Between 29 October and 4 November, the median distance was 2.7 miles, the same as the previous week. Overall, there has been a downwards trend since September.
◦ 141,804 people were transferred to the contact tracing system between 29 October and 4 November, a 1.4% increase compared to the previous week.
◦ Testing capacity in the UK across all pillars between 29 October and 4 November was at 4,367,049 tests, an increase of 21% compared to the previous week. Testing capacity for all swab testing was at 3,519,349 tests, more than double the capacity at the start of September.
Campaign response: Please attend upcoming webinar - Reconsidering Fetal Pain:
A number of constituents recently emailed me with an invite to the webinar on the issue of fetal pain on Tuesday 17 November.
As an active member of the All-Party Parliamentary Pro-Life Group I was very much looking forward to attend the webinar, but due to parliamentary commitments on the day I was regrettably unable to do so.
However one of my parliamentary assistants was able to attend the webinar on my behalf and I was pleased to get an update from him on the latest research and policy work being done on this important issue following the webinar.
I share many of the concerns expressed during the webinar by experts and other parliamentarians, including the fact that the UK continues to have one of the highest gestational limits among European nations (at 24 weeks), significantly higher than the average of 12-13 weeks. Many of my colleagues agree with me that we should look at options to lower the gestational limit.
Constituents can be assured that I will continue to speak up and champion the Pro-Life cause when it comes to abortion in Parliament and elsewhere.
The case for more COVID-19 restrictions:
In my role as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Matt Hancock and therefore working in the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), I see close up the evidence and data of those who are being hospitalised and sadly die as a result of this virus.
The big issue of the recent weeks has been a concern about the rising levels of Coronavirus around the country. Whilst the number of cases in Cornwall remains low compared to the rest of the country, the numbers are increasing.
The rate of increase within the South West in the past couple of weeks was among the highest, which means if we did not intervene now we would very quickly be in the same position as the North West. With our elderly population this would present a serious risk and therefore its better to take action now for Cornwall than wait for this to happen.
I know for many people and businesses, the restrictions laid out in the Coronavirus Act have been and will continue to be hard to take and I will continue to make sure those views and concerns are heard. I will continue to seek additional support from the Government and I will continue to do all I can to ensure our local health and care services get the support they need.
There is no escaping the fact that it is down to every one of us to be responsible and take all the steps necessary to keep ourselves and others safe.
Thank you for raising this important topic with me. I will keep your feedback in mind as government policy develops in response to the pandemic.
Versus Arthritis 'Impossible to Ignore' campaign.
Thank you for contacting me about Versus Arthritis' 'Impossible to Ignore' campaign.
I am grateful to everyone who has contacted me about this crucial issue. Arthritis is a debilitating and painful condition and affects people in all aspects of their lives. I recognise that as a result of protecting the NHS throughout the pandemic, many sufferers of arthritis have faced treatment delays and operation cancellations.
NHS trusts and staff have faced impossible decisions regarding treatment for patients and a 'step down' from emergency covid-19 restrictions was in place from 5th June, which enabled routine and non-urgent treatment, surgeries and appointments to restart. Each NHS trust will be facing unique challenges; however, their priority will always be the safety of their patients and staff. Private hospitals and services have been utilised to assist with the backlog of NHS treatments, as well as Nightingale hospitals, which have been utilised to conduct essential health screening for patients, such as cancer screening services.
On the 31st July 2020, the NHS set out its third phase response to Covid-19, including accelerating the return of non-Covid health services to near normal levels, making full use of the capacity available in the 'window of opportunity' between August and winter.
In support of these goals, last week, Matt Hancock, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announced new measures to improve social care ahead of winter. The measures include an extra £2.7 billion to NHS systems. This funding, in addition to the extra funding for PPE and testing, will help the NHS with the vital task of operating safely over winter and recovering to more usual levels of activity after the impact of the peak. This will help to ensure more NHS services are able to provide ongoing treatment, support and care to patients.
I’m also pleased to have recently welcomed an extension of the Infection Control Fund, providing an additional £500,000 for care providers in Cornwall. The fund has been vital in restricting the spread of Covid-19 to some of our most vulnerable people through our care homes. The extra funding will help bolster infection control and help protect residents and staff throughout winter, and I look forward to working with the Council so it is spent in the most effective way.
Ultimately, restarting hospital treatments and services is a local NHS trust decision (RCHT – Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust). If this issue is something you feel passionate about, I recommend you express your views directly to RCHT.
However, I regularly liaise with local NHS leads, including RCHT, and will certainly highlight these issues in our discussions. They have assured me that the safety of patients and staff is their priority. Where any services can be restarted without placing staff or patients at unnecessary risk they will do so at the earliest opportunity, which I trust is reassuring.
If you have personally experienced any delays/difficulty accessing treatment and would like my assistance, please contact my office at office@stevedouble.org.uk.
Thanks once again for raising this with me.
RCHT Maternity services during COVID-19
Further to our recent contact with regard to RCHT’s policy regarding maternity services, I am pleased to provide the following update from Kernow Maternity Voices Partnership (Kernow MVP):
“**12 week dating scan update from Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust**
We are pleased to announce that following guidance form NHS England to support a stepped approach to reducing COVID-19 restrictions Royal Cornwall Hospital trust will now be welcoming one support person at the 12 week dating scan appointment from Monday October 12th 2020. No children under 16 are permitted.
Pregnant women/people that have a dating scan appointment booked from Monday October 12th 2020 will be contacted individually with details and information.
This stepwise approach has been taken as the result of comprehensive risk assessments and the fact that all 12 week scans take place in the same location which allows COVID secure precautions to be put in place and the safety of people accessing care and staff is the highest priority.
The trust will be able to continue to take further steps on the de-escalation plan as time progresses and they ask that everyone please follows the guidance around hand washing, face coverings and social distancing while attending appointments.
Currently restrictions remain in place for all other scans during pregnancy and all other outpatient appointments, we completely understand that this is impacting the experience of families and we will continue to keep you informed of any changes and decisions made by the trust.”
I am pleased to see RCHT have taken on board the concerns I and Kernow MVP have raised on behalf of constituents, such as yourself, and begun to step down these restrictions. I will continue to monitor the situation as I do appreciate how significant an impact these restrictions have on expecting parents.
Thanks once again for contacting me about this important issue.
If there is anything further I can do to assist you, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.
Campaign response: APPG Meeting – Choice at End of Life
Thank you for constituent’s email informing me about the APPG on Choice at the End of Life meeting that took place on Wednesday 15th July.
I understand how sensitive but important the issue of assisted dying is for many constituents and indeed this is a subject I have written extensively on: http://stevedoubleforstaustellandnewquay.blogspot.com
I am pleased that a high number of MPs and members of the public were able to take part in this virtual APPG meeting in July. If I have the time, I will be happy to catch up on the meeting with the video link provided.
Campaign response: NHS Pay Rise
Thank you for constituents who have recently contacted me via the campaign group 38 Degrees concerning a pay rise for NHS doctors and nurses.
I pay tribute to every single person working in the NHS during this incredibly difficult period. Their hard work, dedication and professionalism has been a lifeline to many thousands of people, while they have, at the same time, selflessly cared for those individuals and families who have suffered the tragic loss of a loved one.
As part of our efforts to support NHS staff in the fight against coronavirus, the Government has committed to ensuring the NHS has the resources, staff and funding it needs so it can continue to deliver world class care for everyone, whilst keeping staff safe at the same time. I know the immediate concern is keeping NHS staff safe and ensuring they have the protective equipment they need. That’s why the Government is working to ensure that all NHS staff and their families are able to get regularly tested for coronavirus, while also ramping up the production and delivery of personal protective equipment.
In June 2017, after the general election, I and my Conservative colleagues voted against an opposition amendment to the Queen’s speech, which among other things called on the government to lift the public sector pay cap.
The amendment would not, by itself, have lifted the public sector pay cap or have led to doctors and nurses in the NHS receiving more pay. Despite voting against the amendment, the Government announced the end of the pay cap later that year, and NHS staff received a pay rise in cash terms above 1% in the following financial year.
Annual pay awards for NHS staff are determined by an independent and transparent pay review body process.
Pay has already been set up to 2020-21, as part of a deal that was reached in 2018.
That deal was negotiated and agreed upon with the NHS trade unions, and represented one of the largest public sector pay increases in several years.
Starting pay for nurses, for examples, has risen by over 12 per cent since 2017-18, while the Government also agreed a pay deal that provides junior doctors with a minimum 8.2 per cent pay rise over four years.
The pay review bodies will make further pay recommendations for future years at the appropriate time, but I know the Government wants to ensure that the NHS continues to attract, retain and reward staff for their hard work, and I am certainly supportive of this.
Campaign Reply: "Please ask the PM to fix care" - 26 August 2020
Thank you to all those who have contacted me to highlight Age UK’s petition regarding social care.
I am very grateful to everyone who has contacted me about this important issue, especially to those who have shared their personal experiences and experiences of their loved ones receiving this vital care.
As I am sure you know, the Prime Minister expressed his personal commitment and this government’s commitment to social care. As published in our party manifesto for the General Election in December 2019, in which we secured an overwhelming majority, we are committed to securing a long-term cross-party consensus on social care.
We were due to begin this process early this year, however due to the Labour party not having a leader in place this unfortunately delayed any progress. It would have been impossible to conduct cross party talks without the opposition leader in place as securing a long-term solution for any legislation moving forward on social care would require the Labour leader and their shadow cabinet involvement and support. This means that we could not make any substantive progress until the new Labour leader was duly elected by party members and the new leader had appointed their shadow cabinet.
In March, in recognition of the urgency of this issue, Matt Hancock, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care wrote to all MPs to formally begin the process in readiness of the new Labour leader’s appointment due in early April. The second phase of structured talks on reform options were therefore rescheduled to be held in May but as I am sure you can understand, in March managing the outbreak of Coronavirus became the government priority. Please be assured this government remains committed to conducting these talks and this pandemic has only underscored how necessary these long-term solutions are.
It would be remiss of me to speculate on the outcome of these talks and subsequent agreements, as we are still in very early days, however please be assured it remains a government priority. We are looking to seek a long-term, sustainable solution which addresses the long-term difficulties within the sector and recognises not only the compassionate and dedicated work that carers have already been providing prior to this crisis, but also their heroic and brave efforts through this global crisis.
As the Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Matt Hancock, I am pleased to be actively involved in this process and highlight the strong and passionate views of my constituents on this very important issue.
Campaign response - Please promote equality and sign EDM 521; Please sign EDM 521 - 13 July 2020
Thank you to constituents for contacting me about Early Day Motion 521 and the Abortion (Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate, and Clubfoot) Bill.
As a principle I never sign early day motions as they very rarely achieve anything whilst at the same time running up costs to the taxpayer.
However as a pro-life MP I will be keen to show support for this important bill via other means. I have previously spoken out strongly against sex-selective abortion – an appalling practice that should not be tolerated under any circumstances. I view disability as another unacceptable condition on which pregnancies should be terminated. Disabled children deserves as much of a chance at life as able-bodied children. Many constituents have already written to me to highlight many examples of well-known individuals who suffer from conditions such as Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate, and Clubfoot at birth, but nevertheless have gone on to make important contributions in sports, entertainment and the arts.
Indeed, all of the current work and emphasis by the government on promoting better help and support for the disabled would all be meaningless, if society could simply choose whether a child deserves to be born or not based on their physical or mental state.
The Abortion (Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate, and Clubfoot) Bill tabled by my colleague aims to put an end to disability-related abortions. If and when the Commons finds the time to deliberate this important legislation, I will certainly be voting in support of it.
Upcoming meeting on Wednesday 15th July All-Party Parliamentary Group on Choice at the End of Life - 9 July 2020
My thanks to those who have contacted me with regard to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Choice at the End of Life scheduled for Wednesday 15th July.
I appreciate concerns raised on this very sensitive issue and fully understand how important end of life issues are to many constituents.
Unfortunately I am unable to attend this event as my diary for this time is fully booked, but am grateful to those constituents who have highlighted this event to me.
Campaign Reply: Reopen Soft Tissue & Sports Therapy Services - 5 July 2020
Thank you to all those who have contacted me with regard to businesses providing Soft Tissue Therapy, such as Sports Injury Therapists, who are unable to open on 4th July.
I do appreciate that for those who rely on these services for their health needs they are understandably keen for these businesses to reopen. I also know that many working in this profession are keen to return to work and support their clients.
Due to the vast number of different types of businesses and the services they provide, it is impossible to provide guidance that would individually identify every single business that would or wouldn’t be permitted to be reopened on 4th July. It was also important that the guidance is as accessible to as many people as possible. This was in no way meant to suggest anything untoward or demeaning, and the government recognises alternative medical practitioners, such as Sports Therapists, Sports Massage Therapists and Soft Tissue Therapists provide a vital service to many people.
As I’m sure you understand, the priority must always be to keep people safe. The decision regarding the reopening of businesses has been an exceptional challenge and has been based upon the assessment of risk. While the Government has been able to provide guidance to many businesses which are reopening, on how best to keep people safe, it currently feels that certain types of business will need to remain closed. This is because it has been assessed that they cannot yet be made sufficiently safe. There are a number of factors considered including whether this would involve close contact and what mitigations can be put in place. Businesses that will be able to reopen from 4th July can only do so providing they put measures in place, including social distancing, to keep both staff and customers safe.
I fully understand your concerns that businesses providing Soft Tissue Therapy, such as Sports Injury Therapists, are not currently part of this group.
Let me assure you that the Government is working around the clock to help more industries safely open, working with scientific and medical experts, along with the Health and Safety Executive, on how to do this in a way that minimises risk to both staff and customers.
In the meantime, the Government’s huge and unprecedented package of support for business remains in place, to help those companies that are struggling during this challenging time. For anyone with emergency or urgent medical needs, they can continue to access this via 111, their GP or, where appropriate, A&E.
I note all the concerns raised with me on this issue, and the exceptional work those in this industry are undertaking in order to reopen safely. I hope that as we continue to make progress, these businesses will be included in the next tranche allowed to open.
Thanks once again for taking the time to raise this with me.
Campaign Reply: 'Trikafta - a new CF treatment' - 1 July 2020
Thanks to my constituents who have contacted me to highlight Trikafta, also known as Kaftrio, a new treatment for Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Many of you shared your personal connections to CF, either as a patient with CF or as a loved one of a patient with CF, and I am grateful you have taken the time to share your experiences with me.
This drug was due to begin a seven-month NHS appraisal in January 2021, however in February the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, committed to accelerating the testing of this drug in recognition of the truly life-transforming treatment this can be for those with CF. I have raised this with my colleagues within the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and am delighted to say that NHS England and NHS Improvement and Vertex Pharmaceuticals have now announced an agreement to fund Trikafta. This means clinicians will be able to start prescribing the triple treatment to English patients, as soon as the licence is granted in the coming weeks.
More information on this available via the NHS website, which I enclose a link to below:
I am very pleased to have been able to offer my support for this and I trust this will be welcome news to many CF sufferers and their loved ones.
Thanks once again for bringing this campaign to my attention.
Campaign response - Covid-19 tests - 1 July 2020
Following Thursday’s opposition day debate on the testing of NHS staff, a number of constituents have written to me asking why I voted against Labour’s motion.
To be very clear, I am not against regular testing of NHS staff. I am in favour of NHS staff testing policy as advised by the Chief Medical Officer.
The Shadow Health Secretary in his opening remarks at the debate said Labour are calling for weekly testing of NHS staff, “if necessary”.
But “if necessary” was not in the wording of their motion, which instead called for blanket weekly testing without any qualification – proving this was nothing more than a political stunt by a Labour party that could not even agree among themselves what they were asking for.
If MPs had ignored the advice of the Chief Medical Officer and voted in favour this inflexible approach as set out in the motion, implementing it would have led to all existing testing capacity being taken up and meant that no-one else – including the elderly and the most vulnerable to Covid-19 – would be able to get tested. I certainly could not in good conscience support this and I am glad many of my colleagues agreed with me by also voting against the motion.
Fundamentally the level of testing for NHS staff should be a matter that is decided by clinicians and not politicians, especially those seeking to score cheap political points as the Labour party did last week.
Regular testing, including weekly testing if it is deemed necessary by the Chief Medical Officer, is essentially what the current government policy is and I will continue to support this clinically-informed approach.