Business of the House

Connor Rand Excerpts

Thursday 14th May 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The hon. Lady raises an important matter. It has been raised over quite some time in this House, and she is right to raise it again because it is important that people are not left in pain and in the situation that she describes. I will get her an update from the relevant Minister to see what progress is being made and what further progress is planned.

[Mr Connor Rand (Altrincham and Sale West) (Lab)]

Last week, the BBC revealed a terrifying lack of regulation in the growing infant sleep industry, where literally anyone can call themselves a maternity nurse or a sleep consultant and give vulnerable parents advice that puts babies at risk. Locally, that led to the tragic death of a four-month-old baby who was put into an unsafe sleeping position on the guidance of a so-called maternity nurse who had no medical qualifications. Can we have a debate in Government time on what we can do to regulate the infant sleep industry so every child and parent is protected?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this highly disturbing case, and may I first express our condolences to the family? This case has illustrated just how important trusted advice on safe sleeping is, and we would encourage parents to access support, not least through Best Start family hubs. We are also changing the law so that anyone describing themselves as a nurse without the relevant qualifications and registration will be committing a criminal offence.