Jim Shannon
MP for Strangford · Democratic Unionist Party · United Kingdom
“I thank the Minister for those answers. This has happened three times in three years. Normally, on the third strike, you are out. Instead, the chief executive gets an £871,000 bonus. For people in Northern Ireland, a flight to Great Britain is a basic utility. When NATS crashed, my constituents were entirely cut off.”
“When it comes to lobbying, Northern Ireland has a peculiar circumstance where one party can be involved in politics in Northern Ireland and at the same time be involved in politics in the Republic of Ireland. When it comes to the accountability that the hon.”
“Member for North East Fife referred to this—everybody knew every officer in the area where they lived. Different times mean different pressures and different needs, but I have always supported community policing in all my years as an elected representative, throughout my time on the council and in the Northern Ireland Assembly before comi…”
“I will say this to the Minister: although policing is a devolved matter for us back home, I want to make some comments, if I may, about the focus of the police, which means they sometimes do what is unnecessary. I will give an example.”
“The hon. Gentleman is a Leicester City supporter, as I am; we do not have to seek our sorrows at this moment in time, but that is by the way. More importantly, his comments underline the issues for local independent pharmacy owners. As the hon.”
“That is the reality for these people, who have consciences, feel compassion and want to care for their patients and customers. The impact is clear, because almost 90% of pharmacies in Northern Ireland were unable to pay their wholesaler bill in January. Think about what that means for a second: that is real pressure.”
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Every one of 4,229 lines we hold for Jim Shannon, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 40 of 85.
“I commend the hon. Lady for bringing this issue forward. She is right to highlight the condition of the station. It was great when it was first built because it suited the times, but today’s times are different. I spoke to her beforehand about this issue. My concern is that many stations across the nation require passengers to climb stairs, or place unavoidable barriers in the way of disabled people, anyone with a mobility difficulty and parents with prams. I welcome the Government’s commitment to improving accessibility, but does she agree that the Minister and the Department for Transport must commit more time to reviewing this particular case, and all cases across the nation in which there are accessibility issues, and people cannot even get into a station?”
“That tradition reflects the best of our British values of compassion, justice and an unwavering commitment to human rights. As the UK has proven itself to be a leading figure in promoting freedom of religion or belief worldwide, we must ensure that those escaping persecution receive the support and protection necessary.”
“Across the world, countless individuals are forced to abandon everything they know—family, community, culture—simply because they choose to practise their faith or live their life according to their conscience. Today, over 380 million Christians face high levels of persecution or discrimination. More than 80% of the world’s population live in countries in which their freedom of religion or belief is restricted or severely restricted. The United Kingdom has long been a place of refuge for those seeking safety from oppression, including those fleeing the civil war in Syria and the Taliban in Afghanistan. We provided not only shelter but the opportunity for individuals and families to rebuild their homes in dignity, free from the daily threats, discrimination and violence they once faced.”
“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Sir Edward. I thank the hon. Member for Rushcliffe (James Naish) for setting the scene so well on a subject close to all our hearts. This debate is not simply about policy but about the lives of people who will be deeply affected by the impact of the proposed immigration reforms. We must navigate such reforms with care, mindful of our moral and legal obligations to those seeking refuge. I will speak specifically about people of faith who are persecuted and have to flee to seek asylum. As chair of the all-party parliamentary group for international freedom of religion or belief, I reiterate the importance of our duty to protect individuals who have fled their home countries due to violations of religious freedom and human rights.”
“Members, and the Minister in particular, not to turn our backs on those who are targeted solely for their faith or belief. As Isaiah 1:17 states: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Give the oppressed reason to rejoice; take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” We must ensure that, in reforming the terms for humanitarian visas, updated and quality training is provided to decision makers so that they make the right decisions, and so that legal standards are applied correctly in any subsequent settlement decisions. Civil society and non-governmental organisations have a significant role to play in assisting with their expertise, evidence and on-the-ground insight. Their partnership is essential if we are to ensure that those fleeing genuine FoRB violations are given the protection that they so urgently need.”
“The Minister is, no doubt, listening. I agree with the hon. Gentleman, and I am sure the Minister will give a positive response. We must not ignore the plight of those suffering for their faith: the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan, Christians in Nigeria and the Baha’is in Iran. Faith groups in countless other countries such as Sudan, Eritrea and Myanmar are subjected to unspeakable tragedies. The UK has provided lifesaving refuge to groups fleeing religious persecution through humanitarian visa routes. When we consider genuine cases of forced displacement due to freedom of religion or belief, it is not a short-term issue. It is important to strengthen the UK’s immigration system to provide greater efficiency and fairness, but in doing so, I urge right hon. and hon.”
“I thank the Minister for the positivity of his replies. His commitment is very clear. I asked about persecuted Christians; in the few minutes that he has left, can he assure us that protecting them is also part of Government policy?”
“Of course. I talk incredibly fast, so I will try to slow down. I asked about the Government’s concessions for people who are persecuted across the world. It is really important to have those concessions, so that Christians or people of any religious faith know that if they want somewhere to go, the United Kingdom is available. I need that reassurance, if the Minister does not mind.”
“I congratulate the hon. Lady on securing this debate, and I reiterate her point from my experience with level 7 apprenticeship funding at Queen’s University in Belfast. It was disappointing to hear that, from January 2026, public funding for many level 7 apprenticeships will be removed for those aged 22 and over—a blow to the industry. Does she agree that further financial constraints on universities only hinder opportunities for our constituents, and that more must instead be done to support them in advancing their educational skills?”
“I understand that she will give us a response on London and the mainland, but I know that she has an interest in Northern Ireland because of what is happening there, so I look forward to her response. I thank the hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse again for sharing her story.”
“Those stories are testament to what support is available. To conclude, we do not talk about this topic lightly. It is heavy—it is supposed to be, to help people understand the seriousness and scale of the problem. Statistically, the situation has gotten worse, and I want to do more to encourage people to be part of the conversation. We all need to praise those strong and brave women and girls who have told their story. Let us remind those who are afraid to speak out that they are not alone, and that we will all do our best in this place to ensure that they can safely access the help they need. I look to the Minister, as I always do, to commit to that.”
“Violence against women and girls is not rare; it is about walking with keys between the fingers, checking a friend gets home safe, or hearing a bang next door and thinking, “Should I intervene? Should I go and see if everything’s all right?” It is worrying, but unfortunately, the experience of so many has become normalised—and it can never be normal. Everyone in this place has a role to play, and we must ensure that our services are approachable so that women feel they can come forward and, more importantly, be believed. When they go to report such behaviour, they should know that someone is there with a listening ear, prepared to take their story on board and do something. Behind every story that has been heard today or in the past stands a brave individual who, perhaps at one time, was not sure that she would escape and seek help.”
“Of every 100 women we see in Northern Ireland, 98 have experienced abuse of some sort. Domestic abuse instances are very high. For example, in the year ending 31 March 2025, almost 30,000 domestic abuse incidents were recorded by the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Furthermore, in the 12 months to this date, there were six domestic abuse homicides in which all victims were females. Since 2019, PSNI data indicates that some 30 women and girls have been murdered by men. We have the worst stats in the whole of the United Kingdom. The Minister has spoken about that and has answered questions in the Chamber. I have asked her questions and she has responded. The figures are shocking, but this is a reality for thousands of women on a daily basis.”
“We should note that that figure of 7.4% is only what is recorded. We know that often women do not feel confident to come forward for numerous reasons, so that figure could be the tip of the iceberg. Although the debate is centred on London, I would not feel right if I did not mention Northern Ireland, and others would think it wrong of me, especially since the hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse mentioned problems elsewhere. I want to give some stats about Northern Ireland just to put things into perspective. I raise this subject continually and will continue to do so to increase awareness of the dire situation. According to a report by our own Ulster University, almost 98% of women in Northern Ireland report experiencing at least one form of violence or abuse in their lifetime. Can Members imagine that?”
“I am pleased to see her in her place, because I am sure she will be able to speak out for every woman and girl not just in London, but further afield. As the hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse outlined, this occurs not just in London but across the world, and she gave examples as well. The Met police conclude that the crime of violence against women and girls in London has increased significantly; it rose by 37% between 2018 and 2023. According to the London Assembly, in the year up to January 2025, recorded sexual offences rose by 7.4% compared with the previous year, so we are unfortunately seeing a trend—I suspect that it is a trend in society. I am going to give some of the stats for the Northern Ireland; the Minister will know them. They are incredibly worrying and disturb me greatly.”
“The statistics and stories are shocking and saddening. She has undertaken great work on the APPG on domestic violence and abuse, and I am aware that she has opened up previously on her own experiences of that—things that we really need to take note of. We must do more, of course. It is also a pleasure to see the Minister in her place. None of us will be disappointed with her response at the end of this debate, because she has lived all of these stories. Many moons ago, way back when we first got to know each other in the House, she brought all those personal stories from her own constituency—they were raw stories, I remember. I used to get quite upset sometimes when she told us about things that had happened.”
“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mr Stringer. I commend the hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse (Apsana Begum) for leading today’s debate and for her strength of character as well. I have had talks with the hon. Lady and I understand there are things in her own life that she has dealt with. She shows a character and a courage that I admire and that many others in this House admire as well, so I thank her for bringing the debate forward. This problem is a huge issue across the world, particularly in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, so I am pleased to take part in the debate, first to support the hon. Lady in highlighting the issues and, secondly, to represent the people of Northern Ireland, in solidarity, about the problems that we have back home. I listened intently to the hon. Lady’s comments.”
“I commend the hon. Gentleman for securing this debate. He has referred to the stats in his own area. The Police Service of Northern Ireland notes that the number of motorcycles or scramblers recovered by owners in Northern Ireland is relatively low: for example, in 2022, only 30 out of 136 were recovered. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that while the theft statistics are fairly high, the recovery statistics are really low? He underlined the need for the police to have more powers; perhaps the Minister could indicate what those powers might be. Will the Minister give any advice to the regional Administrations to make sure that we tackle the issue better together?”
“I thank the right hon. Gentleman for securing this debate. The right hon. Member for North West Hampshire (Kit Malthouse) referred to the impact on Britain, but there is an impact regionally as well. Many workers in Northern Ireland are enrolled in UK-wide pension schemes and equity systems, and their long-term financial security depends on those schemes being able to generate strong, sustainable returns. When the right hon. Gentleman presents his proposals and asks to the Minister, can he try to obtain an assurance that whenever legislation comes through, similar things will happen in Northern Ireland, including for my constituents, thereby giving us all the equality we should have in this system?”
“I suggest that whatever peace will bring, it must ensure that the Russians who have carried out those terrible crimes are held accountable, so can the Prime Minister confirm that there will be retribution? As a Christian, I know that there will be retribution in the next world, but what I want to see is retribution in this world, and eternal damnation for the rest of their lives.”
“I thank the Prime Minister for all that he does for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and, indeed, for the western world. It is appreciated by many. There is a plan that we all hope can end the war in Ukraine and stop the devastation and the killings. Our eyes are focused on that plan. I think of the innocents killed, the women and children targeted, and the massacres carried out by Russians. I think of the children as young as eight and women as old as 80 who have been raped by Russian monsters, and of the massacres in Bakhmut, where more than 200 people were found in a mass grave. And there is more: we can watch video of Russian soldiers torturing people and murdering people.”
“I commend the hon. Lady for bringing forward this debate. I spoke to her beforehand, and I share her concerns. We have similar concerns in my constituency, where the minor injuries unit closed. The unit was crucial for constituents, and its closure meant that they had to travel further—for almost an hour—to get to the nearest urgent care centre. Does the hon. Lady agree that any future decisions on any unit across this nation should be grounded in the needs of patients, the benefits of local access and the essential role that community hospitals play in delivering a resilient NHS?”
“I recognise what the Secretary of State has said about protection for those who rent houses, but desperation is the issue for many people who rent their accommodation, and who find themselves in financial difficulties while living—as we heard earlier from the hon. Member for South Basildon and East Thurrock (James McMurdock)—in a small, one-bedroom flat. Will the Secretary of State please speak to the relevant Minister in Northern Ireland, who I think would be the Minister for Communities, about what the Government here are doing, to ensure that we in Northern Ireland can be a focus of attention?”
“I thank the Minister very much for his statement, and I thank you, Mr Speaker, for all you do to ensure that the ministerial code is followed by all Ministers—we appreciate it. There has been much discussion this year regarding the ministerial code and how major policy announcements are made. What steps will the Minister take to give Members confidence that Ministers will adhere to the code—and to the requirements set out within it—and ensure the correct working order of this House?”
“I thank the Minister very much for her answers, and for the confidence that she is trying to instil across the nation. On the so-called confidential intelligence that West Midlands police claims to have seen about Israeli fans engaging in significant hooliganism, I am very concerned, as others are, about the message that sends about exclusion, and about how the Government deal with intelligence in this country. What steps have been taken to ensure that international football fans are treated fairly and are not excluded from events based on incorrect information and dishonest claims, and that lessons can be learned to prevent similar incidents in the future?”
“I thank the Minister very much for his positive statement. It is great that the Government’s critical minerals strategy aims to reduce our over-reliance on foreign suppliers and to build a more resilient domestic supply chain, which is central to our growth sectors and to clean energy. He referred to the critical and important role of Queen’s University Belfast in magnet-recycling technologies. What steps have been taken to ensure good collaboration with the devolved Governments, to unlock further incentives for extraction projects, and to support domestic improvements through our minerals strategy?”
“I will not be the only MP who has received correspondence from the Country Land and Business Association. That organisation is quite clear that it fears that rural regions will be left behind, and is worried about mayors taking unprecedented control over transport, housing, planning, skills and economic development. How can the Minister assure all of us in this House that mayors will understand what uses of those powers will genuinely support rural businesses, which must not be left behind?”
“I commend the hon. Lady for bringing this debate forward; I spoke to her beforehand in relation to it, and I thank her for raising the issue. Reports have shown that there has been a 90% increase in the number of mentally unwell women at Downview, who face extended delays in getting the support they need. The situation is the same back home at Hydebank Wood in Northern Ireland. In addition, prison staff are not trained mental health professionals, so the necessary healthcare support is not in place. Does the hon. Lady agree that there must be provision to properly train prison staff to support them in supporting prisoners who are faced with long delays and deteriorating mental health?”
“Due to the immediate nature of the costs experienced by families, children and young people with cancer and their families should be entitled to access welfare benefits immediately. If we lose the unpaid care system, our NHS will collapse, and if we do not give families more support, they cannot sustain the situation. The choice seems clear: give more support and take away some of their financial problems and worries.”
“For younger cancer patients, a young person receiving a personal independence payment or a child receiving disability living allowance is a gateway to their families receiving carer’s allowance. However, this leaves carers waiting months for support. There is a time period and a qualifying period, and I am asking that we get the money out as quick as possible. We should not drag our heels on this matter. A young person with cancer is eligible for PIP and DLA after being impacted by their condition for three months; this leaves the families of children and young people with cancer having to find and pay out nearly £5,000 extra in costs before their disability benefits are awarded.”
“To try to meet caring needs, parents call on every source of leave and time off that they possibly can, frequently combining options until they are exhausted and, ultimately, the only option is unpaid time off or leaving employment. The Minister is a kind Minister. I do not just say that; I mean it. We are all making a plea today on behalf of the carers. Yvonne in my office deals with benefits five days a week—sometimes five-and-a-half or six days a week—and the carer issue comes up all the time. We understand it well, and when we speak about it, we are speaking from experience. In most cases, the carers of young cancer patients are eligible for carer’s allowance only once the child receives another form of benefit.”
“That is physically and mentally challenging for families, and the impacts of cancer and its treatment, along with the care needs, can last many years, given the nature of the disability. The financial impacts of having a child with cancer include the loss of earnings. The families of children and young people with cancer face significant financial pressures and inequalities, which can start during the pre-diagnosis period but continue, and are most significant, following diagnosis. Many have to take time off or give up employment because of caring responsibilities. Seven in 10 households reported a loss of income and earnings because of having to take time to care for their child, or gave up work altogether because there was no other option. The average loss is around £6,000 a year, but for three in 10 households it is £10,000 a year.”
“Carer’s allowance is worth only £2 per hour—there is no way that could ever be a minimum wage—based on providing a minimum of 35 hours of care. Young Lives vs Cancer has highlighted the fact that every year in the UK more than 4,200 children and young people aged under 25 are diagnosed with cancer—that is 12 per day—and sadly 10 of them die every week, making cancer the biggest killer by disease of children and young people in the UK. In many cases, the parents or close family members of a child or young person who has been diagnosed with cancer will be their primary care giver throughout their illness and treatment—never mind the trauma that carers feel as they deal with someone who may not come out the other side. That is the reality of life.”
“If we had to pay for taxi services, all- night care and daytime care for those in need, we could never afford it. The financial contribution made by unpaid carers in Northern Ireland is estimated to be some £5.8 billion annually, which is equivalent to 80% of the Department of Health’s budget. That is an increase of 42% over the last decade. Despite that massive economic value, many carers face significant financial hardship, with one in four living in poverty, rising to more than half for those not in paid employment. They are giving their lives to look after others, and they are living in poverty. Come on—that cannot be right. Juggling income and responsibility for care, their poverty is driven by the extra cost of caring and insufficient social security payments such as carer’s allowance.”
“It is a joy to serve under your chairship, Ms Vaz. I thank the hon. Member for Shipley (Anna Dixon) for championing the cause of unpaid carers so well, and congratulate her on how she has spent her time in this House. She is always making a name for herself on subjects important to her, such as carers—an issue that we all deal with every day. I also thank the hon. Member for Bexleyheath and Crayford (Daniel Francis) for telling us his personal story. Nothing illustrates a debate as well as a personal story, and the hon. Gentleman kindly and compassionately set the scene of what he and his wife do for their child. This issue affects everybody in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. We are all aware that, without unpaid carers, our health and care system would collapse.”
“What the Minister is referring to is very positive; as always, I have a quick ask. The policy he is outlining seems very plausible and workable, so can I ask him to share those thoughts with the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt? I think that the two Ministers are in regular contact, so it could be done through that.”
“We have a real problem with COPD, and this debate gives us the chance to highlight the issue for patients. The winter pressures are on. I am pleased to see my friend, the hon. Member for Blaydon and Consett (Liz Twist). She is the co-chair of the APPG, and she will hopefully speak next. I look forward to hearing all the contributions, including from the shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Farnham and Bordon, and, ultimately, the Minister.”
“What can be done to help those 100,000 and perhaps others facing those circumstances who have not yet been diagnosed? Lastly, there is no onward referral from the lung health checks, and I think there should be. It would be helpful to have an assurance about how that could be achieved. I know that this is a complex area—it always is—and that lung cancer health checks are carefully targeted, particularly for those in our most deprived communities, who are least likely to be well served, but this provision would seem to fit perfectly in a modern service framework for respiratory health. So, I end where I began: I hope that this will happen sooner rather than later. I have made a lot of requests, but we are fortunate to have a Minister who responds in a way that gives us all encouragement.”
“We are also looking forward to the upcoming NICE guidance on the biologic therapies for COPD, which will be a complicated process. We will keep an eye on the implementation of these drugs when they are approved. The advancements in medicine cannot be ignored; it is really good to have them, and it is encouraging that we are living that bit longer now. We can now extend and improve the lives of people with diseases that would previously have killed them fairly young. Finally, we have been looking at the incidental findings from lung cancer health checks. According to recent data, around 100,000 people who have been assessed under the targeted lung health check programme have been diagnosed with emphysema or symptoms of no recognised disease to date.”
“Will the Minister make sure that these tests be undertaken on all eligible patients? Will the Minister also please look at the waiting lists for diagnostic testing and see whether they can be prioritised to test those at the highest risk first? That is a lot of asks—I have given the Minister and the shadow Minister a copy of my speech, so hopefully the Minister had all my questions in advance. I hate to throw around 20-odd questions at her in the space of an hour and a half and expect answers right away, but hopefully we can get those answers—I know that the civil servants who are here will work very hard to ensure that happens. Although it might be too late for this winter, perhaps that provision could be in place for people for next year.”
“The Minister will know, because she is very knowledgeable and responsive to these issues, that the APPG strongly supports the 10-year plan and the three shifts, which are ideally placed to transform respiratory care and outcomes. Community delivery, especially, promises a great deal for improved respiratory outcomes by placing facilities closer to home. That is a better way to do it. We welcome the work already under way to place respiratory services in community settings and the introduction of spirometry in all CDCs and community health services. This a really positive way forward. There is, however, evidence to suggest that not all patients receive spirometry tests. If we are going to introduce spirometry, we need to ensure that all patients can receive those tests.”
“Recent analysis has found that expanding access to PR services to all eligible patients could result in £142.6 million of direct NHS savings related to reduced exacerbations, as well as a reduction of 194,000 bed days, 66,000 of which would be saved over the winter period. Those figures cannot be ignored—at the end of the day, the NHS has to work within the figures, the money, it has available. When we look at the savings and the reduction in bed days, in particular over the winter period, we must try to do better. The final fundamentals are personalising self-management planning and optimising treatment for co-morbidities. Will the Minister please assure us that the NICE fundamentals of COPD care are being implemented consistently across the country?”
“At the Tuesday morning roundtable, with Lord Bethell from the other place, we had an opportunity to discuss how best to do that with those in the NHS, and with other companies and people who have a deep interest in the subject matter. Some of the ideas will be helpful for the future. We need better infection control. COPD exacerbations are mainly driven by infections. How can we address and target that in the system? We must implement fully the five fundamentals of COPD care by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, which outline what effective management of care looks like, such as vaccination, smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation.”
“We are busy in the APPG—Hugh and the team clearly do that for us—and recently we held a roundtable on the winter pressures in partnership with the Centre for Applied Respiratory Research Innovation and Impact—CARRii, to abbreviate all those words—which gave an outstanding presentation. Early next year, we will produce a short report, taking the outcomes of that meeting and the data from this year into account. We are happy to share it with the Minister, because I think it will be helpful when drawing up a better way to do things. Key themes of the roundtable included an increase in vaccination rates—more focus on that has been because of, unfortunately, a slight reluctance to take up vaccination —and how we encourage that.”
“Under Aegis, NHS England will stress test winter preparedness by running seven regionally-led exercises. I ask the Minister for some detail on that, on what it means and how it will work—no doubt we are to hear that shortly. The initiative is welcome and a well thought-out plan, I believe—I am sure others will comment —that promises to deliver the regional outcomes that will make a huge difference. Only in the past few days have we realised that winter is coming—anyone who has not felt the cold must be wearing a strong and heavy coat—so will the Minister update us on the outcomes of the regional exercises and how they feed into the winter preparedness strategy?”
“Again, as chair of the respiratory health APPG, it is one of the things that we hope to address. While the statistics are stark, the APPG also acknowledges and welcomes a huge amount of work undertaken by NHS England ahead of the winter months to relieve the pressure on the NHS. We are all here to make lives better, and not to make them worse, but sometimes we need to have a better idea of what needs to be done. The NHS can do much, but it cannot perform miracles. It can only do the best it can, so how do we help it to do so, given all the pressures it is under? We commend the urgent and emergency care delivery plan, and Exercise Aegis, which will devolve accountability for winter readiness to the integrated care boards—probably a good idea.”
“If someone lives in an affluent area, they have 10% less chance of getting COPD than someone living in a deprived area. We hope that the transition from hospital to community under the 10-year plan for the NHS will transform COPD outcomes in the most deprived areas. A survey by Asthma and Lung UK found that almost a quarter of people with COPD wait five years or more for a diagnosis, with one in eight of people with COPD waiting for over 10 years. Again, I have another ask of the Minister. How can we shorten the wait for a diagnosis of COPD? If we catch it earlier, we can reduce the impact on life expectancy and help with life conditions and how to reach a better level of care. The same survey showed that only 9% of people with COPD in the UK were receiving good basic care. That is worrying.”
“Deaths caused by respiratory diseases are more strongly linked to deprivation than deaths caused by any other major disease. People living in the poorest areas of the United Kingdom are five times more likely to die from COPD than those living in the richest areas. That is a real disparity, whereby people in deprived areas are more susceptible to COPD and their life expectancy is also reduced. I have another ask of the Minister: how can the Government address deprivation and its impact on particular areas, specifically when it comes to COPD? Research from Asthma and Lung UK shows that someone from the poorest 10% of households is over two and a half times more likely to have COPD than someone from the most affluent 10% of households. That is a real disparity.”
“It has been estimated that there could be around 600,000 more people in the UK who are living with undiagnosed and untreated COPD. What can we do to identify those people and ensure that they understand what is happening to them, so they can get some help with the life that they will now lead? Lost productivity due to COPD is estimated to cost around £1.7 billion per year. There is a cost to every disease, but there is a real cost to this disease, and if we can diagnose and catch it earlier, perhaps we can reduce that sum. My last point is about something quite worrying. Each year, around 30,000 people in the UK die from COPD. That is the reality experienced by some of my constituents I have met over the years, but who are no longer with us. The disease progresses so fast that people’s life expectancy is reduced.”
“That represents some 121,129 A&E admissions—significantly higher than in the previous year. Worryingly, the trends are upwards. I hope that the Minister, when she responds to the debate, can give us some ideas about how the Government can reverse those trends and reduce that figure. COPD is the second most common cause of emergency admission in the United Kingdom, and 1.7 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with it. In my office, when we meet constituents, we help them with their benefits forms and try to put them on the pathway to get some help to deal with their health conditions. I have known many people over the years who, unfortunately, are no longer here today because COPD has taken their life. Others are on oxygen, just trying to survive every day. Again, that is quite worrying.”