MPs Press for Timelines; Ministers Offer Assurances

High-Level Summary

Westminster Hall held debates on redress for those harmed by valproate and pelvic mesh, the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme, woodland creation, rural GP funding, and supported exempt accommodation in Birmingham. Members repeatedly sought overdue Government responses, firmer timelines and concrete actions. Ministers cited cross‑government work, pilots and funding streams, but announced few firm dates; several updates were promised “as soon as possible” in coming months. All motions were considered and resolved without divisions.

Detailed Summary

Hughes Report: Second Anniversary

Opening the debate, Sarah Green said that, two years on, “the Government have still not published an official response to the Hughes report” and “no redress scheme has been implemented”. She highlighted the report’s focus on how to provide redress because “the case for redress had already been made” by the Cumberlege review, and argued that 30,000 women and children have been harmed by valproate and pelvic mesh. Backbenchers cited specific recommendations, including interim payments “during 2025” and independent administration of a scheme. Responding, Karin Smyth said the lead Minister had met the Patient Safety Commissioner and “is very happy to meet campaigners”. She stressed the need to “carefully consider all options and the associated costs before coming to a decision”, and pointed to non‑financial steps: a foetal exposure to medicines pilot in the north of England (80 patients seen) and specialist mesh centres with “nearly 3,000 patients now seen”. On timing, she said the Government are “committed to setting out our response at the earliest credible opportunity”. Outcome: motion considered and resolved; no date for a formal response. Next steps: continued cross‑government work, engagement with devolved governments, and Ministerial meetings with campaigners.

New Medium Helicopter Programme

Adam Dance said retiring Puma has left “a capability gap” and “no medium‑lift helicopter ability”. He urged awarding the NMH contract to the sole remaining bidder to protect Yeovil’s sovereign capability and warned that “more than 3,000” jobs were at risk if it did not proceed, pressing for clarity before the best‑and‑final offer expires in March and amid delays to the Defence Investment Plan (DIP). Minister Luke Pollard would not announce a decision but assured, “we will not allow the decision to time out” and that a decision will be made ahead of expiry. He said the Department is “working flat out to deliver the DIP”, outlined recent engagement with Leonardo’s leadership, and described procurement reforms to shorten timelines (e.g. large programmes moving “to two years”). He also referred to Treasury alignment and “£5 billion extra in our budget this year”. Outcome: no decision announced; assurance on timing. Next steps: DIP publication and continued industry engagement.

Woodland Creation

Chris Curtis emphasised the social and environmental value of woodlands, noting Milton Keynes has “over 6,000 acres of parklands, rivers, lakes and woodlands…supported by more than 22 million trees”. He said planting is increasing, with “More than 7,000 hectares…planted last year” and “10.4 million trees planted in 2024”. Members urged a focus on establishment and stewardship—“move beyond the ‘plant, plant, plant’ mantra to ‘establish, establish, establish’”—and called for stronger protection of ancient woodland. Minister Mary Creagh set out delivery and policy measures: a new interim target requiring a net increase of 43,000 hectares from the 2022 baseline; the Western Forest with “20 million trees…over the next 25 years” and an Oxford‑Cambridge forest expression of interest that “closed on 30 January”; and a third national forest competition “by July 2026”. She noted the grey squirrel strategy was published and “the deer plan is imminent”, and that urban trees can reduce heat by “2°C and 8°C”. Outcome: debate considered. Next steps: implement targets and funding, roll out national forests, and progress species management plans.

Rural GPs: Funding

Esther McVey argued that rural need must remain central to GP funding, noting that 17% of England’s population lives in rural areas. She highlighted an NIHR review she said was examining a move “based on deprivation rather than workload”, pointed to recruitment and access challenges (including that 59% of hard‑to‑recruit GP training posts are rural, and dispensing practices serve c.10 million patients), and sought progress on a new Knutsford medical centre because current surgeries are “all Victorian buildings and are not suitable”. Minister Karin Smyth cited primary care recovery measures: recruitment of “3,000” GPs via the additional roles scheme, a GP contract totalling “£13.4 billion” this year with “the biggest cash increase in more than a decade” and estates investment (“£102 million” this year plus further funding). On the Carr‑Hill formula, she said it “is no longer fit for purpose today” and the NIHR review’s first phase should “conclude in March”. On Knutsford, the trust is preparing an outline business case for the ICB. Outcome: debate considered. Next steps: NIHR review phase one due by March; estates and access reforms continue; local business case progression.

Supported Exempt Accommodation: Birmingham

Ayoub Khan described Birmingham’s exceptional scale and concentration, with numbers having “tripled to more than 32,000 across 11,200 properties”, and stressed the debate should “not be about stigmatising vulnerable people”. He cited council evidence that only “42% of properties were needed to meet local need”, praised the council’s pilot—“recovered £8.8 million in overpaid housing benefit”—and warned its funding “runs out next month”. Minister Matthew Pennycook reaffirmed the commitment to tackle rogue providers and increase supply, noting a “£39 billion” affordable homes programme and “£159 million” for support services. He recognised Birmingham’s challenge—“approximately 31,000 individuals…in around 11,000 units”—and said SHIP funding ends as the 2023 Act is implemented. On the Act, he said the Government “intend to implement…in stages over the coming months”, have allocated “£39 million in new burdens funding” for local strategies due by “31 March 2027”, will appoint the advisory panel chair “imminently”, publish the consultation response “as soon as possible”, and consult on licensing regulations “later this year”. Outcome: debate considered. Next steps: staged implementation of the Act, preparation of local strategies, and further consultations; Minister open to further engagement.