MBRRACE-UK Report 2025

Baroness Manzoor Excerpts

Thursday 23rd October 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I agree with the core of the noble Earl’s observation, which is why the maternity care bundle—to be published next month and actioned next year—is so crucial. It will pick up the point he is making about the five clinical areas for urgent action. They have been chosen because of their ability to improve outcomes and to reduce inequalities, as well as their feasibility of implementation within NHS services, which I know is a matter of great interest to your Lordships’ House.

[Baroness Manzoor (Con)]

My Lords, I am pleased to hear that the Secretary of State has indicated that there will be an independent inquiry at Leeds Teaching Hospitals. Data is important, so can the Minister say what IT data in general will be collated through the NHS? More importantly, what is the governance structure for trust chairs and NHS boards in looking at risk management? Wherever we have failings, it is always a failing of leadership. How will the Government tackle this?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

One of the interventions aimed at addressing inequalities—which will, I am sure, be of interest—is the delivery of what is called an inequalities dashboard. That allows local systems to monitor data usage where inequalities are in place. As the noble Baroness rightly suggests, if we do not know where there is a problem then we cannot address it. That project and those on removing racial bias from clinical education, as well as those embedding the genetic risk inquiry, are data driven and will make a difference in the way that we all seek.