Danny Chambers MP: speeches

Speeches

• 1 Jul 2025 · Infant Feeding · Hansard source

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  To reiterate the comments made by my hon. Friend the Member for Chichester (Jess Brown-Fuller) and the Minister about all children needing to have a healthy start, we cannot emphasise enough how important gestation and the first six months of life are. The factors that affect gestation and the first six months of life have a bigger impact on long-term health than anything we can do after that—any conscious decisions we make about our health are less impactful than what has happened to us during gestation and the first six months of life.

• 25 Jun 2025 · English Wine Production · Hansard source

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  I am sure that all hon. Members would agree that Hampshire sparkling wine is the very best in the country, and the awards prove it. On supporting the wine industry in rural economies, Sparsholt college in Winchester—an agricultural college—has recently started vineyard curating courses as part of its horticulture courses so that the local wine industry has a trained workforce. Can the Minister look at rolling that out to the rest of the country, in areas that are appropriate?

• 25 Jun 2025 · English Wine Production · Hansard source

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  rose—

• 25 Jun 2025 · Science and Innovation Funding · Hansard source

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  Over the past 10 years, many tech start-ups have left the UK and gone to silicon valley, which costs the UK a huge amount in jobs and tax revenue. What are the Government doing to ensure that start-ups currently at seed stage stay in the UK and grow here, so that we avoid the UK becoming an intellectual property farm for other countries to harvest?

• 24 Jun 2025 · Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Ninth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. New clause 8 would establish the office of a mental health commissioner and makes provision for relevant duties and responsibilities. The commissioner would have a strategic, cross-government focus, working to promote mental health and tackle inequalities, and would be a powerful advocate for the rights and wellbeing of those living with mental health problems, who would finally have a voice at the top table. The commissioner would also play a vital role in the public sphere, tackling stigma and discrimination, and championing policies that support good mental health across society. The commissioner would have an independence to comment on the implementation of the reform of the Mental Health Act and any subsequent changes or issues that arise. International evidence highlights the impact that such a role can have in improving communities. I keep coming back to a conversation I had in my office in Winchester with a psychiatrist whose wife also worked in the medical profession. He said that they were struggling to navigate the mental health system to get the healthcare that their child desperately needed. He made a really good point: if they, with their knowledge, expertise and experience, could not navigate the mental health system, what hope does anyone else have? That is why it is important to have someone with an overview who can advocate for patients, and the patient journey in general, to ensure that the process is streamlined and that people have the information they need to access the care they are entitled to.

• 24 Jun 2025 · Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Ninth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I thank the Minister for his comments and reassurances. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion. Clause, by leave, withdrawn. New Clause 24 Application in respect of patient already on hospital grounds “(1) The Mental Health Act 1983 is amended as follows. (2) In section 5(1) (Application in respect of a patient already in hospital), after ‘or,’ insert ‘that the patient has attended a hospital or been brought to a hospital to seek help or admission as a patient or,’”.— (Dr Shastri-Hurst.) This new clause would allow people who have attended or been brought to a hospital to seek help or admission as a patient to pursue an application for admission under the Mental Health Act. Brought up, and read the First time. Question put, That the clause be read a Second time.

• 24 Jun 2025 · Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Ninth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. We are aware from the Darzi report that mental health cases account for about 20% of the NHS burden, and currently receive about 10% of the funding. Our mental health services urgently need investment. Children at risk of self-harm, anorexia and suicide often wait months to be seen. I keep thinking about a few people I spoke to in Winchester who have teenage daughters with anorexia. They have been told that their daughters have to reach a lower BMI before they hit the threshold for treatment. That is horrific for the individuals, and we know that their anorexia will be more difficult to treat, will require more intensive, longer treatment, and will cost the NHS more in resources and finances. Many people cannot access the care in the community that they need. In a context in which suicide and mental ill health is on the rise, it is therefore disappointing to us that the Government have removed key NHS targets on mental health, such as physical health checks for those with mental disorders. Supporting those with mental health conditions is a fundamental pillar of the Government’s welfare reforms and economic agenda, but we know there were about 1 million people waiting in 2024 for mental health services. That is why we need to ensure that the spend on mental health care does not decrease and that, if anything, it increases.

• 24 Jun 2025 · Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Ninth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. New clause 22 is quite similar to new clause 14, on the state of in-patient facilities. It would require the Secretary of State to publish a national strategy to ensure that all mental health units meet or exceed a good rating for safety, as assessed by the Care Quality Commission. It would also mandate annual progress reports to Parliament. We all know that far too many mental health settings fall below acceptable standards. The CQC has repeatedly flagged serious failings in in-patient mental health services, including unsafe staffing levels, poor physical conditions and risks of harm to patients. These are not isolated issues but persistent and systemic problems. The new clause calls for a proper, co-ordinated response. It would require the Government to set out how they will address staffing shortages, improve recruitment and retention, and ensure safe staffing levels, particularly at night and during crisis periods, when the risk is often highest. It is not enough to rely on reactive inspections or piecemeal initiatives; we need a national strategy backed by data, accountability and regular reporting to the House. Too many vulnerable people are currently treated in mental health units that are overstretched, understaffed and, in some cases, unsafe. The new clause would begin to change that by setting clear expectations on monitoring progress and holding the Government to account. I commend the new clause to the Committee.

• 24 Jun 2025 · Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Ninth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s comments. That is a sensible and insightful point, and I will take on board the Minister’s response too.

• 24 Jun 2025 · Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Ninth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. The new clause would require a review of the quality of accommodation for people detained or admitted to hospital under the Mental Health Act, and require the Secretary of State to publish a strategy to implement the recommendations of that review. Lord Darzi found that many people are being treated in Victorian-era asylums. Many mental health hospitals are crumbling and the wards are not fit for purpose. Both the Care Quality Commission and the independent review of the Mental Health Act confirmed that many mental health wards are unsafe for staff and patients, and provide poor-quality care in unsuitable buildings. One CQC inspection report found that the seclusion rooms had low ceilings that contained electrical wires overhead, creating a safety hazard, and that staff could not see people clearly through the window panels because they were cloudy. Is the Minister confident that the mental health estate is adequate to fulfil the Bill’s objectives? In particular, is the Minister satisfied that the mental health estate is sufficiently safe, in structural terms, and designed appropriately for those using it? For example, is it free of ligature points, and does it have sufficient in-patient capacity for children and young people?

• 24 Jun 2025 · Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Ninth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I thank the Minister for his reassurances. The issue is that the ability of the CQC to oversee implementation is limited, and it does not have a policy advisory function, which is something that a commissioner could do. Although we understand the Minister’s concerns about the office of a commissioner, the issue is important enough that we put it in our manifesto. We stood on a manifesto commitment to improve mental health access and streamline services via a commissioner. For that reason, we will press new clause 8 to a vote.

• 24 Jun 2025 · Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Ninth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. The new clause would require the number of patients transferred to hospitals outside their area to be reduced to zero within five years, and the Secretary of State would have to produce a report on how this would be achieved. We should not underestimate the harm and distress caused to patients and their families when they are allocated an out-of-area mental health placement. At the end of March 2024, there were 900 active out-of-area placements in England, of which 89% were deemed inappropriate. Patients must be treated in a centre close to their home and family, and that can be achieved by increasing capacity and co-ordination between services. The new clause calls on the Secretary of State to publish guidance within six months of the Bill’s passage, setting out what processes and funding will be available for that purpose. Vulnerable people deserve to be treated near to their families and home, and the new clause would ensure that happens.

• 24 Jun 2025 · Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Ninth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. The new clause relates to the mental health crisis breathing space debt respite scheme, and would allow it to be “offered and available to patients detained under sections 3, 37, 41 and 47 of the Mental Health Act 1983.” The mental health crisis breathing space mechanism is another vital tool that can protect people in a mental health crisis from the impacts of problem debt, by pausing enforcement action, contacting creditors and freezing interest and charges on any debts. However, the number of people benefitting from an MHCBS are significantly below its potential, largely because both patients and healthcare professionals do not know about it. Ensuring that everyone detained under the longer provisions of the Act would automatically be offered access to the scheme would ensure that many more people could benefit from it. We have discussed in previous sittings the impact of debt on mental health, and the work of Winchester Citizens Advice. I am really pleased to say that this week, I presented them with a huge award for best social enterprise at the Hampshire business awards, so my congratulations go to them.

• 24 Jun 2025 · Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Ninth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I thank the Minister for his comments. He recognises the issue and is taking steps to address it, so I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion. Clause, by leave, withdrawn. New Clause 19 Report and Guidance: Improving Outcomes for LGBT Patients “(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, prepare and lay before Parliament a report on the mental health outcomes of patients who are treated under the Mental Health Act 1983 and who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). (2) The report under subsection (1) must include an assessment of— (a) any differences between non-LGBT patients and LGBT patients in— (i) the extent of the use of detention measures under the Mental Health Act 1983; and (ii) treatment outcomes following detention, and (b) the availability and accessibility of ‘culturally competent’ mental health treatment under the 1983 Act for LGBT patients. (3) Following publication of the report under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must publish guidance for responsible bodies and individuals working with patients under the Mental Health Act 1983, including but not limited to those working in— (a) mental health hospitals; (b) places of safety; (c) crisis accommodation; and (d) relevant community mental health services. (4) The guidance under subsection (3) must include— (a) provisions about updated training standards for staff regarding the specific mental health needs and experiences of LGBT individuals, including training on non-discriminatory practice and inclusive communication approaches; (b) steps to improve safety for LGBT patients in relevant mental health settings, with particular regard to addressing discrimination and harassment; and (c) a definition of ‘cultural competent mental health treatment’ for the purposes of subsection (2). (5) Responsible bodies and individuals working with patients under the Mental Health Act 1983 must have regard to guidance published under subsection (3). (6) In preparing the report under subsection (1) and the guidance under subsection (3), the Secretary of State must consult— (a) patients with a mental disorder who identify as LGBT; (b) the families or carers of patients with a mental disorder who identify as LGBT; (c) relevant professional bodies; (d) integrated care boards; (e) local authorities; (f) providers of mental health treatment; and (g) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate. (7) The Secretary of State must update the guidance under subsection (3) at regular intervals, and no less frequently than every three years.”— (Zöe Franklin.) This new clause would require the Secretary of State to report on mental health outcomes and disparities for LGBT patients in treatment under the Mental Health Act 1983 and publish guidance covering training and safety for this specific group. Brought up, and read the First time .

• 24 Jun 2025 · Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Ninth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I thank the Minister for his comments. If there is a duty to report the spend on mental health as a share of the whole budget, then I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion. Clause, by leave, withdrawn. New Clause 8 Mental Health Commissioner “After section 142B of the Mental Health Act 1983, insert— ‘ Mental Health Commissioner 142C Independent Mental Health Commissioner: establishment (1) There is to be an office known as the Office of the Mental Health Commissioner. (2) The Office in subsection (1) must be established by the Secretary of State three months after the day on which the Mental Health Act 2025 is passed. (3) The Office of the Mental Health Commissioner will be led by an individual appointed by the Secretary of State titled the “Independent Mental Health Commissioner”. (4) The role in subsection (3) is referred to as the “Mental Health Commissioner”. (5) The Mental Health Commissioner may appoint staff to the Office of the Mental Health Commissioner they consider necessary for assisting in the exercise of their functions in section 142D. 142D Functions of the Commissioner (1) The Mental Health Commissioner is responsible for overseeing the implementation and operability of functions discharged by relevant bodies and persons under the provisions of this Act, the Mental Health Act 1983, and the Mental Capacity Act 2025 particularly regarding the provision of treatment, care, and detention of people with a mental disorder. (2) The Mental Health Commissioner must publish an annual report on the use of functions discharged under this Act, which must assess— (a) the quality of mental health care treatment provided by relevant services; (b) the accessibility of mental health care treatment services; (c) the relationship between mental health and the criminal justice system; (d) inequalities of mental health care provision regarding protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010; (e) the use and effectiveness of detention measures under this Act, including but not limited to Community Treatment Orders, for the purposes of therapeutic benefit outlined in section 1(2B); (f) challenges surrounding stigma of mental health conditions; (g) the accessibility of advice and support to mental health service users, their families and carers on their legal rights; (h) other issues deemed appropriate by the Mental Health Commissioner. (3) In fulfilling their duties under subsection (1), the Mental Health Commissioner may review, and monitor the operation of, arrangements falling within subsection (1), (2) and (3) for the purpose of ascertaining whether, and to what extent, the arrangements are effective in promoting the principles in section 118(2B) of this Act. (4) Subject to any directions from the Secretary of State, the Commissioner may take action necessary or expedient in connection for the purposes of their functions. (5) This may include— (a) collaborating with health services, public authorities, charitable organisations, and other relevant entities, including NHS bodies, the Care Quality Commission, and the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman; (b) ensuring enforcement authorities and public bodies under the Mental Health Act 1983 have the necessary capacity and resources to adequately discharge duties under the Mental Health Act 1983 and this Act. 142E Appointment, Tenure, and Remuneration of the Mental Health Commissioner (1) The Secretary of State may by regulation make provision for the appointment, tenure, removal, and general terms of appointment of the Mental Health Commissioner. (2) The Secretary of State may also by regulation determine the Commissioner’s remuneration, allowances, and pension entitlements. 142F Examination of cases (1) The Secretary of State may, by regulations, make provision for the examination by the Mental Health Commissioner of the cases of those who are detained under this Act receiving treatment by authorised mental health care providers. (2) The Secretary of State may, by regulations, provide for the Office of the Mental Health Commissioner to access and examine relevant data on mental health treatment provision held by NHS England and any other authorities the Secretary of State considers appropriate. 142G Regulations A statutory instrument containing regulations under sections 142E and 142F may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.’”— (Dr Chambers.) This new clause establishes the office of the Mental Health Commissioner and makes provisions for relevant duties and responsibilities. Brought up, and read the First time.

• 24 Jun 2025 · Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Ninth sitting) · Hansard source

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  That sounds very sensible.

• 24 Jun 2025 · Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Ninth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I thank the Minister for his reassurances, especially on the ongoing reviews. I will withdraw the new clause, but I make the obvious point that this is about not only the health and safety of the staff and patients, but the public perception of mental health, and the stigma surrounding it if we are treating people in Victorian-era asylums. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion. Clause, by leave, withdrawn. New Clause 15 Review of impact of this Act on detention “(1) The Secretary of State must, within a period of 12 months following the day on which this Act is passed, commission an independent review into the impact of relevant provisions on reducing the number of people detained under Part 2 of the Mental Health Act 1983. (2) In subsection (1), ‘relevant provisions’ include— (a) sections 4, 5 and 6, (b) section 8, (c) section 21, and (d) sections 46 and 47. (3) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the publication of the review in subsection (1), publish a strategy to implement the recommendations of that review.”— (Zöe Franklin.) This new clause would require the Secretary of State to commission a review into the impact of relevant provisions in the Act in reducing the number of people detained, in particular the provisions relating to people with autism or a learning disability, on grounds for detention and for community treatment orders, medical treatment, care and treatment plans, and on after-care, and to implement any recommendations within 12 months of the publication of the review. Brought up, and read the First time.

• 24 Jun 2025 · Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Ninth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I thank the Minister for his comments. I am concerned about the lack of knowledge among patients and healthcare professionals. We cannot see any downside to making this an automatic right, so we will press new clause 2 to a vote. Question put, That the clause be read a Second time.

• 19 Jun 2025 · Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Seventh sitting) · Hansard source

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  It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Sir Desmond. In the previous sitting of the Committee, I spoke extensively about the close link between money worries and poor mental health. That link is why I have sought, through amendment 18, to ensure that advance choice documents include a specific section on money. This would give people greater choice and control over their finances when they are in crisis. Without that provision, financial worries could be an even greater hurdle to recovery. We have talked a lot about financial problems being a major contributor to mental health crises, and they can make it much more difficult to recover from one. I will not go through all the details again, but the numbers show how significant the problem is. Last year, nearly 21,000 people in England alone were struggling with problem debt while in hospital for their mental health, so it is not a small cohort of patients for whom this is a specific issue. Ensuring that people’s finances are taken into consideration when they are in a mental health crisis will prevent future illness, reduce waiting lists and help people to return to daily life more smoothly, including to work. If we ignore it, that will end up costing the NHS more in time and resources.

• 19 Jun 2025 · Animal Disease Outbreaks · Hansard source

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  I thank the Minister for his comments. The recent National Audit Office report was hugely concerning, and it was clear that the UK is at high risk of, and unprepared for, a major animal disease outbreak. Post-Brexit checks mean that only 5% of animals are physically checked as they come into the UK. We know that a lot of illegal meat is coming in through the ports, and our farm animal veterinary workforce is overstretched. Also, climate change and antimicrobial resistance are putting us at a higher risk of disease outbreaks. If a disease such as foot and mouth hits again, it will devastate British agriculture and rural communities, and have an impact on our food security. Can the Minister assure us that the Government are treating the issues that the report raises as a strategic national threat, and that its warnings will not be ignored until it is too late?

• 19 Jun 2025 · Animal Disease Outbreaks · Hansard source

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  1. What steps he is taking to help prevent animal disease outbreaks.

• 18 Jun 2025 · Businesses in Rural Areas · Hansard source

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  In Winchester we have the fantastic Sparsholt agricultural college, which engages with local businesses and stakeholders to ensure that it trains students in the skills that the local economy will need. A good example is its vineyard management course, which takes advantage of the amazing new vineyards popping up on our amazing chalk soil. Does my hon. Friend agree that we need Government support to ensure that there are accessible courses to give students of all backgrounds the skills to drive our rural economy?

• 17 Jun 2025 · Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Fifth sitting) · Hansard source

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  Would the Minister like to intervene?

• 17 Jun 2025 · Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Fifth sitting) · Hansard source

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  Amendment 49 extends the support offered by mental health advocates to cover social and financial stresses and to family carers and other members of the household when the patient is discharged. Other hon. Members have today discussed how social and financial struggles can play a major role in someone’s mental ill health and in blocking their recovery, and how those are often the areas where someone can most benefit from advocacy and advice. As we are all aware, patients should not be viewed as a collection of symptoms, but within their whole context, including the situation they are living in. Addressing someone’s housing insecurity, debt or family breakdown should not be viewed as a separate consideration, but as a core part of supporting them to live happily, healthily and independently. Furthermore, family carers and the wider household are absolutely critical for people’s wellbeing and recovery, and should be properly equipped to prepare for their loved one returning from hospital. They, too, may need advocacy and may be missing out on support that they can and should receive. A good example comes from Winchester, where Winchester Citizens Advice has a member of staff—a former mental health nurse—based at Melbury Lodge in-patient mental health unit. Often, someone may be admitted for two, three or four months, and when they are discharged, they go home to all their life admin—there will be final demands for credit cards or requirements to repay personal independence payments and that type of thing. It is very overwhelming, particularly for those who already have fragile mental health, to have to sort out a whole backload of administration—especially financial and complicated administration. For two days a week, that staff member supports in-patients in sorting out all their administration from anything that needs to be done. What is interesting is that when these patients are discharged from Melbury Lodge in Winchester, if they have had that help, they end up being hospitalised and on medication for a shorter time. They are also more likely to engage with various support and community services once they have been discharged and are much less likely to be readmitted to hospital. For every £1 spent on that initiative, £14.08 is saved in cost avoidance. That initiative run by Melbury Lodge and Winchester Citizens Advice was up for an NHS award last year. It is a proven concept and something that should be done across the entire country. It has been running for two years and has proved how much money can be saved. Unfortunately, it was a pilot project and is struggling to secure money to continue indefinitely. I urge the Government to look at how that type of initiative could be rolled out around the whole country.

• 17 Jun 2025 · Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Fifth sitting) · Hansard source

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  I broadly agree. We were really heartened that in the King’s Speech, the Government said that mental health needs to be treated as seriously as physical health. There are many reasons to join a political party but, given my long history of working in mental health charities, one major reason for joining the Lib Dems was that they had been saying that for years. I was pleased to hear that in the King’s Speech too, but we have to ensure that the percentage of spend on mental health does not slip in proportion to other very important resources.