Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of NHS England's 2027 NHS carbon reduction plan requirements for the procurement of NHS goods, services and works on UK-based (a) jobs and (b) investment.

Since the Net Zero Supplier Roadmap was originally introduced under the Johnson administration in 2021, the National Health Service has saved hundreds of millions of pounds in energy costs, which have been channelled back into frontline care.

However, compared to the rules that were put in place under the Johnson administration, where all suppliers were obliged to fulfil net zero requirements in respect of all of their emissions, the current Government's roadmap takes a much more proportionate and less burdensome approach, allowing us to cut red tape and apply common sense, while continuing to make significant cost savings for the taxpayer.

As a leading employer across the country, the NHS also continues to play its full part in supporting growth, training and employment in local communities, and we have regular discussions with colleagues in other departments to that end on matters relating to procurement, economic growth, and investment. This includes consideration of how public procurement and NHS purchasing power can support growth, innovation and jobs across the UK, including in the life sciences, MedTech, diagnostics, and digital health sectors.