PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
Health Inequalities: Staffordshire - 14 July 2026 (Commons/Commons Chamber)

The health inequalities that exist in our country, including in Staffordshire, are an intolerable injustice. The Government are taking action to tackle them. From the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 to the new heart disease and strokes plan through the 10-year health plan, we are tackling the root causes driving ill health.

Audley health centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme is the fifth worst practice for asthma prevalence in our ICB and the rural practice with the highest number of people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Local GP Dr Richard Page puts that down to the prevailing wind blowing pollution from the M6 on the west side of the practice area, and notes that if green-belt land is released for the AB2 development, pollution will only get worse.

It is excellent to see my hon. Friend the Minister at the Dispatch Box. Will she set out what the Government are doing to ensure that the people of Audley—and anyone else living in areas with high levels of pollution—are not disproportionately affected by respiratory diseases? Will she meet me to discuss that?

I thank my hon. Friend for his question and his good wishes. Improving air quality is a core part of the Government’s shift from treatment to prevention in our 10-year health plan. I know that my hon. Friend is very committed to cleaner air in his Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency, and I commend him for all his hard work in campaigning on Walleys Quarry—I know that his constituents will be grateful. With the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, we have introduced a new duty on strategic and combined authorities to have regard to improving population health and reducing health inequalities, and it specifically references air quality as a factor for their consideration. If time allows and I am still in post, I will be happy to meet my hon. Friend.

I call the shadow Minister.

In Staffordshire.

As the hon. Lady knows, we are putting the patient voice right at the heart of the health service, so although she may say that we are scrapping something, we are actually going to make it better.

I know that the hon. Lady has asked me about the 10-year workforce plan on many occasions, and it will be out shortly. In that plan, she will see that we are prioritising British graduates entering the workforce.

I call Mike Kane.

Question No. 12 please.

You need to stand up to say that. Exercise those knees. He’s getting old.

It’s the football, Mr Speaker—it’s Tuesday. Sorry.