Written questions by Maguire.

What steps his Department is taking to improve (a) planning and (b) training to help staff to enable supported home births.

The Department and NHS England fully support women to make informed choices about their care, including the choice to give birth at home. We expect local services to work collaboratively to ensure the provision of safe, personalised care in all settings.The Core Competency Framework, which sets out the essential training for staff to address variations in the quality of support provided, outlines that training should be tailored to specific staff groups, for example, home birth, or birth centre teams. Staff should also receive training in the management of emergencies, using clinical simulation at the point of care and across a range of settings, including in the community.Integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning maternity services and for determining how those services are configured to meet local needs. There may be occasions when home birth services need to be temporarily suspended or interrupted for safety reasons. When this occurs, trusts are required to re-open services as soon as it is safe to do so and report it nationally through the Maternity and Neonatal SitRep reporting tool, which collects essential data to monitor the performance of maternity and neonatal services.NHS England will be writing to all services and systems asking them to review their service provision.

What steps he is taking explore potential (a) genomics and (b) AI opportunities for (i) preventing, (ii) diagnosing and (iii) treating bowel cancer.

The 10-Year Health Plan sets out how we will use genomics, predictive analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to shift from sickness to prevention, enabling earlier diagnosis and personalised care.The National Health Service Genomic Medicine Service provides equitable access to cancer genomic testing, guided by the National Genomic Test Directory, which includes over 200 cancer indications. NHS England’s Cancer Genomics Improvement Programme is delivering quality improvement initiatives and establishing Cellular Pathology Genomic Centres to streamline clinical pathways and accelerate genomic testing.In addition, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department of Health and Social Care fund research via UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) into AI applications for cancer diagnosis. This includes the £21 million AI Diagnostic Fund, the £10 million Cancer Data-Driven Detection programme, and the £11 million Early Detection using Information Technology in Health Trial.The Office for Life Sciences (OLS) is also funding the £11 million NIHR i4i/OLS Cancer Healthcare Goals: Early Cancer Diagnosis Clinical Validation and Evaluation programme, which includes a project to assess a breath test technology's effectiveness by using AI for gastrointestinal cancers in over 8,000 patients (including bowel cancer). AI offers significant opportunities for faster triage and improved outcomes, and evaluations of its impact are ongoing.

What recent discussions his Department has had with NICE on updating update its Type 1 Diabetes guidance to incorporate screening for Type 1 Diabetes.

The Department has had no discussions with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on updating its guideline on type 1 diabetes. NICE is an independent body and is responsible for making decisions on whether its guidance should be updated in the light of new evidence.NICE translates research into evidence-based guidance for the National Health Service on best practice in the diagnosis and treatment of NHS patients, but it does not make recommendations on the use of screening programmes in its guidance. The Government is led by the advice of the UK National Screening Committee on all matters relating to targeted and population screening. A screening programme is only recommended where the evidence shows it will do more good than harm.

What steps his Department is taking to help tackle the (a) restriction, (b) suspension and (c) interruption of the provision of home birth services.

The Department and NHS England fully support women to make informed choices about their care, including the choice to give birth at home. We expect local services to work collaboratively to ensure the provision of safe, personalised care in all settings.The Core Competency Framework, which sets out the essential training for staff to address variations in the quality of support provided, outlines that training should be tailored to specific staff groups, for example, home birth, or birth centre teams. Staff should also receive training in the management of emergencies, using clinical simulation at the point of care and across a range of settings, including in the community.Integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning maternity services and for determining how those services are configured to meet local needs. There may be occasions when home birth services need to be temporarily suspended or interrupted for safety reasons. When this occurs, trusts are required to re-open services as soon as it is safe to do so and report it nationally through the Maternity and Neonatal SitRep reporting tool, which collects essential data to monitor the performance of maternity and neonatal services.NHS England will be writing to all services and systems asking them to review their service provision.

What steps his Department is taking to help tackle disparities in the provision of home birth services.

The Department and NHS England fully support women to make informed choices about their care, including the choice to give birth at home. We expect local services to work collaboratively to ensure the provision of safe, personalised care in all settings.The Core Competency Framework, which sets out the essential training for staff to address variations in the quality of support provided, outlines that training should be tailored to specific staff groups, for example, home birth, or birth centre teams. Staff should also receive training in the management of emergencies, using clinical simulation at the point of care and across a range of settings, including in the community.Integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning maternity services and for determining how those services are configured to meet local needs. There may be occasions when home birth services need to be temporarily suspended or interrupted for safety reasons. When this occurs, trusts are required to re-open services as soon as it is safe to do so and report it nationally through the Maternity and Neonatal SitRep reporting tool, which collects essential data to monitor the performance of maternity and neonatal services.NHS England will be writing to all services and systems asking them to review their service provision.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of including primary eye care in the NHS 10 year plan.

The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan was published on the 3 July and can be accessed at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/10-year-health-plan-for-england-fit-for-the-future.The 10-Year Health Plan will support more eye care services being delivered in the community and better joint working between primary and secondary eye care services.

What estimate he has made of the number of bowel cancer patients diagnosed in emergency NHS settings in the last 12 months; and what steps he is taking to help reduce this number.

The National Disease Registration Service (NDRS) in NHS England is the cancer registry for England and collects data on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. The service is available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/ndrsRapid Cancer Registration Data (RCRD) provides a quick, indicative source of cancer data. It is provided to support the planning and provision of cancer services. The data is available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/ndrs/data/data-outputs/cancer-data-hub/rapid-cancer-registration-data-dashboardsUsing the latest available Routes to Diagnosis estimates from the RCRD, there were 7310 bowel cancer patients diagnosed through Emergency Presentation between January and December 2024. This includes emergency routes via accident and emergency, emergency general practitioner referral (not urgent suspected cancer referral), emergency transfer, emergency admission, or attendance.To support earlier diagnosis, the National Health Service is improving referral and diagnostic pathways, including the use of non-specific symptom pathways for patients whose symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or abdominal discomfort, do not clearly align with a single cancer type. NHS England has also expanded general practice direct access to diagnostic tests, enabling faster investigation of concerning symptoms.

If the Government will publish the date for the planned full rollout targeted lung screening as recommended by the UK National Screening Committee.

The National Health Service is taking crucial steps to improve cancer outcomes for patients across England, including for lung cancer. The NHS is currently rolling out the National Lung Cancer Screening Programme to people with a history of smoking.The timescale for full implementation of the lung cancer screening programme, alongside further 10-Year Health Plan initiatives, will be specified in due course.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the (a) National Cancer Plan and (b) 10 Year Workforce Plan on the capacity for cancer diagnostic services to meet the (i) current workforce shortfall, (ii) level of demand from an increase in cancer cases and (iii) the expansion of screening programmes to include national targeted lung screening.

This Government is committed to ensuring our workforce is fit for purpose, including to diagnose and treat cancer. As of August 2025, there are almost 70% more staff in the key cancer professions of clinical oncology, gastro-enterology, medical oncology, histopathology, clinical radiology, diagnostic and therapeutic radiography than in 2010. There are also more doctors working in clinical oncology and more radiology doctors compared to last year.We will work with the university sector and colleagues across Government to ensure that we train the doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals that we need and maximise the contribution that our great research institutions make to the country. Over the next three years, we will create 1,000 new specialty training posts with a focus on specialties where there is greatest need.The 10-Year Health Plan sets out that to deliver a workforce fit for the future we need a new, sustainable approach to workforce planning. Our 10 Year Workforce Plan will set out action to how we will create a workforce ready to deliver a transformed service for patients when and where they need it.Furthermore, the National Cancer Plan will look at how we can reform the current workforce to utilise it as effectively as possible and to provide a workforce able to meet cancer demand of the future. The National Cancer Plan will align with the 10 Year Workforce Plan to take into consideration expected demand for cancer over the next ten years. By ensuring we have the necessary staff with the right skills, we will support the National Health Service to diagnose cancer earlier and treat it faster and improve patients’ experience across the system.

What steps he is staking to increase survival rates amongst lung cancer patients.

We know that some cancers disproportionately impact those living in deprived areas, notably lung cancer. The Lung Cancer Screening Programme is designed to identify cancer at an earlier stage and is aimed at high-risk individuals or people with a history of smoking between the ages of 55 to 74 years old. The National Health Service is currently rolling out the National Lung Cancer Screening Programme to people with a history of smoking.Additionally, reducing inequalities is a key priority for the National Cancer Plan, which will look at the targeted improvements needed across different cancer types to reduce disparities in cancer survival. This includes looking at protected characteristics, such as ethnicity, as well as inequalities related to socioeconomic status, and geographic location.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his Department's policies of the link between access to independent advice and improved health and wellbeing outcomes.

Our 10-Year Health Plan sets out a range of proposals to help patients get the advice they need, ranging from building artificial intelligence-powered online advice into the NHS App to co-locating National Health Service, local authority, and voluntary sector services within Neighbourhood Health Centres so they can also offer services like debt advice, employment support, and smoking cessation or weight management services. Within acute hospital settings we are rolling out Martha’s Rule, which gives in-patients in acute provider sites who are concerned about physiological deterioration the right to initiate a rapid review of their case from someone outside of their immediate care team. Taken together, these measures will help to ensure that patients receive the support and advice they need to improve their health and wellbeing.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his Department's policies of the relationship between deprivation and lung cancer diagnosis.

We know that some cancers disproportionately impact those living in deprived areas, notably lung cancer. The Lung Cancer Screening Programme is designed to identify cancer at an earlier stage and is aimed at high-risk individuals or people with a history of smoking between the ages of 55 to 74 years old. The National Health Service is currently rolling out the National Lung Cancer Screening Programme to people with a history of smoking.Additionally, reducing inequalities is a key priority for the National Cancer Plan, which will look at the targeted improvements needed across different cancer types to reduce disparities in cancer survival. This includes looking at protected characteristics, such as ethnicity, as well as inequalities related to socioeconomic status, and geographic location.

What the UK’s cancer survival rate was in (a) 2021-2022, (b) 2022-2023, (c) 2023-2024 and (d) 2024-2025.

The most recent statistics for cancer survival are for cancer diagnosed from 2016 to 2020 and followed up to 2021. They can be found at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/cancer-survival-in-england/cancers-diagnosed-2016-to-2020-followed-up-to-2021Furthermore, the publication Cancer survival: Index for sub-Integrated Care Boards, 2005 to 2020 summarises the one-year cancer survival by sub-integrated care boards for all cancers combined from 2005 to 2020 and followed up to 2021. This publication is available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/cancer-survival-in-england/index-for-sub-integrated-care-boards-2005-to-2020The latest cancer survival statistics are due to be published on 13 November 2025. The published data will provide information on cancer survival in England for cancers diagnosed 2018 to 2022 and followed up to 2023.

How many people were admitted to A&E in England on weekends in (a) 2021-2022, (b) 2022-2023, (c) 2023-2024 and (d) 2024-2025.

The data is not available in the format requested. NHS England does not publish data on patients who were admitted to accident and emergency in England on weekends or after 5:00pm. The only data available is for patients seen within four hours and 12 hours.

How many cancer drugs have been approved for use in (a) 2021-2022, (b) 2022-2023, (c) 2023-2024 and (d) 2024-2025.

The following table shows the number of cancer medicines that have been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in each of the last four full business years:YearNumber of recommendations2021/22362022/23362023/24282024/2537 The information provided includes all medicines recommended for routine use for some or all of the eligible patient population, and medicines recommended for managed access through the Cancer Drugs Fund.

What steps he is taking to increase awareness amongst (a) GPs and (b) NHS clinicians of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

A primary goal of the Complex Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Service, which is commissioned by NHS England, is to educate clinicians about the diagnosis, investigation, and management of patients with complex and atypical forms of EDS. While the service focuses on rare types and accepts referrals from secondary and tertiary care, its development of guidelines and educational initiatives also benefits general practitioners (GPs), who are on the front line of patient care.Additionally, the Royal College of General Practitioners and Ehlers-Danlos Support UK have developed the EDS GP Toolkit, which is specifically designed to provide information and guidance to GPs.

How many people were admitted to A&E in England after 5pm in (a) 2021-2022, (b) 2022-2023, (c) 2023-2024 and (d) 2024-2025.

The data is not available in the format requested. NHS England does not publish data on patients who were admitted to accident and emergency in England on weekends or after 5:00pm. The only data available is for patients seen within four hours and 12 hours.

What steps he plans to take to improve the early detection of liver cancer as part of the forthcoming National Cancer Plan.

The early diagnosis of cancers, including liver cancer, is a key focus of the National Cancer Plan, in order to improve outcomes. The Department received over 11,000 responses to its call for evidence and has engaged extensively with patients, clinicians, and charities to help shape the plan’s priorities, including partners representing liver cancer charities.In addition, the National Health Service in England and public health partners are taking immediate action to improve the early diagnosis of liver cancer.The NHS and public health partners promote awareness of the risk factors and symptoms for liver disease and liver cancer, including through the early identification of hepatitis B and C and the management of underlying liver disease, to help reduce the risk of late diagnosis.The NHS England cancer programme is working to detect more hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) at an early stage, when the chances of survival are higher. This includes through Community Liver Health Checks and liver primary care case finding, to identify people with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis requiring HCC surveillance. NHS England is also expanding access to diagnostic tests, including imaging and pathology, through community diagnostic centres, which have now delivered more than 8.7 million tests, checks, and scans since July 2024.

With reference to the Elective Recovery Plan, published on 6 January 2025, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of targeted measures to reduce gynaecology waiting list.

Tackling waiting lists is a key part of our Health Mission. We have exceeded our pledge to deliver an extra 2 million operations, scans, and appointments, having delivered 5.2 million additional appointments between July 2024 and June 2025. This marks a vital First Step to delivering on the commitment that 92% of patients will wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to consultant-led treatment – in line with the National Health Service constitutional standard – by March 2029.The Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, sets out the productivity and reform efforts needed to return to the constitutional standard. Since our plan was published, we have seen improvements in gynaecology. Average waits have reduced from 15.9 weeks in January 2025 to 15.2 weeks in August 2025, and the number of patients waiting 18 weeks or less from referral to treatment has increased from 55.2% in January 2025 to 56.4% in August 2025. But we know there is still much more to do, and we will continue to support NHS trusts to deliver our targets through innovation, sharing best practice to increase productivity and efficiency, and ensuring the best value is delivered.The Elective Reform Plan also committed to piloting gynaecology pathways in community diagnostic centres (CDCs) as part of broader work to develop pathway improvements. So far over 200 pathway projects have been funded from the CDC Pathway Development Fund 2025/26, including gynaecology pathways.

What steps he is taking to racial disparities in maternity care.

On 23 June 2025, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced a rapid, national, independent Investigation into National Health Service maternity and neonatal services to understand the systemic issues behind why so many women, babies, and families experience unacceptable care. The investigation will aim to identify the drivers and impacts of the inequalities faced by women, babies, and families from black and Asian backgrounds, those from deprived groups, and those from other marginalised groups when receiving maternity and neonatal care. The investigation will deliver interim recommendations in December 2025, ahead of further findings in spring 2026.A number of interventions specifically aimed at addressing maternal and neonatal inequalities are underway. These include the Perinatal Equity and Anti-Discrimination Programme, delivery of an inequalities dashboard and projects on removing racial bias from clinical education, and embedding genetic risk equity. Additionally, all local areas have published Equity and Equality action plans to tackle inequalities for women and babies from ethnic minorities as well as those living in the most deprived areas.To tackle the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity, we are introducing a Maternal Care Bundle to set clear standards across all services, focused on the main causes of maternal death and harm. Women from black and Asian backgrounds are more at risk of specific clinical conditions that are the leading causes of death. This bundle will target these conditions, and we expect a decline in deaths and harm.The Family Hubs and Start for Life programme also supports the reduction of health inequalities by providing universal support for infant feeding, perinatal mental health, and parent-infant relationships from conception to two years old. Building on the £126 million investment for 2025/26, a further £500 million will enable Best Start Family Hubs to be rolled out to every local authority from April 2026.