Oral Answers to Questions

Sarah Smith Excerpts
Tuesday 21st October 2025

(1 day, 20 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Wes Streeting Portrait Wes Streeting
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

Within days of taking office, I upheld the judgment made by my predecessor. We need to tread carefully and be sensitive in this space. We need to take an evidence-based approach to trans healthcare in our country, and that is the approach that this Government will take.

Sarah Smith Portrait Sarah Smith (Hyndburn) (Lab)
- View Speech - Hansard - -

As you may be aware, Mr Speaker, Reform-led Lancashire county council has opened a consultation on the future of care homes across Lancashire, including the proposal to close Woodlands care home in my constituency of Hyndburn. Will the Minister join me in urging Lancashire county council not to take forward these proposals, to protect much-valued local services, and to keep care close to the community and to the amazing staff who support our residents in Woodlands care home?

Stephen Kinnock Portrait Stephen Kinnock
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

I absolutely agree. It has been very interesting to see that all the rhetoric of many Reform-led councils has come crashing down as they face the reality of the situation. Adult social care plays an absolutely vital role in the shift from hospital to community, and I am very happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the matter further.