Afzal Khan MP: speeches

Speeches

• 3 Jun 2026 · Youth Mental Health Support · Hansard source

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  In Greater Manchester, we have the BeeWell programme, which tracks young people’s wellbeing and is critical in helping local areas identify needs, and designs more targeted, preventive approaches. More young people are now reporting good levels of wellbeing through this programme, so does my hon. Friend agree that we need to invest in locally driven, data-informed approaches to prevention, working in partnership with integrated care systems and local authorities?

• 14 Apr 2026 · Muslims: NHS · Hansard source

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  The Health Secretary has long campaigned on tackling anti-Muslim hostility, and I know that we are both proud that this Government have adopted a working definition of it. According to the Muslim Doctors Association, almost 40% of Muslim healthcare professionals have been verbally abused by colleagues about their faith, and the British Islamic Medical Association has repeatedly found that Islamophobia is a persistent and under-recognised issue in healthcare. Will he commit to a rapid review specifically to look into anti-Muslim hostility experienced by patients and staff in the NHS?

• 14 Apr 2026 · Muslims: NHS · Hansard source

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  8. What discussions he has had with regulators on tackling anti-Muslim hostility in the NHS.

• 13 Jan 2026 · Universities: Statutory Duty of Care · Hansard source

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  Some 72% of students report that their mental health has suffered as a result of the cost of living crisis. One in five have considered dropping out because they simply cannot afford it. Given the ever-rising financial pressures on students, does my hon. Friend agree that it is time to explore all avenues to protect students’ wellbeing?

• 26 Nov 2025 · Home Insulation · Hansard source

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  It is well known that cold and damp homes are detrimental to both physical and mental health, with nearly three in every 10 children in cold homes at risk of developing health issues. Does she agree that home insulation is vital to improve public health alongside tackling fuel poverty?

• 28 Oct 2025 · World Stroke Day · Hansard source

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  In my constituency, Manchester royal infirmary’s ward 31 provides outstanding acute and rehabilitative stroke care, supported by dedicated community health champions who promote prevention and early intervention to reduce the risk of stroke. Will the hon. Member join me in thanking both our dedicated hospital staff and community health champions, and support sustained investment in prevention, staffing and rehabilitation so that we can save lives and help survivors recover fully?

• 27 Oct 2025 · Statutory Maternity and Paternity Pay · Hansard source

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  A shocking 37% of children and young people in Greater Manchester live in poverty, yet maternity pay remains far below basic living standards, as my hon. Friend just said. Does he agree that raising statutory maternity pay to a liveable wage would help to tackle the crisis of child poverty in the UK and give children a better start in life?

• 15 Jul 2025 · Women and Girls with Autism: Mental Health Support · Hansard source

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  We understand that girls with autism are more likely to be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Without appropriate and tailored support, those girls can face unnecessary distress, particularly in the school setting. Does my hon. Friend agree that we should ensure teachers and other professionals are given the correct training to better understand autism?

• 15 Jul 2025 · Women and Girls with Autism: Mental Health Support · Hansard source

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  Clearly, there are issues on the school side. Without tailored support, accessible information and properly funded SEND pathways, too many girls are being left behind, often resulting in mental health difficulties and poor educational outcomes. Does the Minister agree that urgent investment in SEND support in schools is needed, alongside reforms that recognise the different ways that autism presents in girls?

• 7 Jul 2025 · Fossil Fuel Advertising and Sponsorship · Hansard source

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  My hon. Friend is making an excellent speech. Each year, air pollution causes an estimated 43,000 premature deaths in the UK, and around 1,200 in my Greater Manchester area. Burning fossil fuel is a major cause of that, so does he agree that the Government must treat this as a public health crisis and act now to ban fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship, just as he mentioned we did to protect people from tobacco?