Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department's assessment of the NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2020 includes consideration of those Regulations' impact on (a) all equalities groups and (b) the health access and outcomes of Black Asian and minority ethnic pregnant women and new mothers; and if he will make a statement.

There are currently no plans to publish a report relating to the internal policy assessment on these Regulations. The Department is considering the emerging evidence to ensure that the policy continues to protect National Health Service resources, while maintaining a humanitarian approach to the provision of healthcare. This assessment considers the effect on the most vulnerable migrants and overseas visitors, pregnant women and new mothers, as well as destitute migrants. It also focussed on ensuring that we continue to meet our obligations under the Equality Act 2010 with regards to individuals or groups with protected characteristics, including but not limited to race, disability, sex and gender and maternity.