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Westminster Hall debateWestminster HallWednesday, 17 June 202616:00

Parity of esteem between physical and mental health

Backbench debate (separate chamber, no votes)

A Westminster Hall debate on parity of esteem between physical and mental health, sponsored by Labour MP Liz Twist. The debate will examine whether mental health services receive equal status, funding, and resources to physical health services within the NHS and wider healthcare system. The core tension is that mental health has historically been treated as secondary to physical health despite affecting millions of people and carrying substantial economic costs.

Mental health parity affects roughly one in four adults in England annually and shapes outcomes for vulnerable groups including children, working-age adults, and older people. Unequal treatment wastes public money, perpetuates stigma, and leaves treatable conditions untreated. The debate signals Labour's stated commitment to mental health integration but will test whether rhetoric translates into NHS commissioning, training, and investment decisions.

Health & NHSSocial Care

MPs most likely to speak

Dr Caroline JohnsonConservative and Unionist Party

Sleaford and North Hykeham

Karin SmythLabour Party

Bristol South

Stephen KinnockLabour Party

Aberafan Maesteg

Liz TwistLabour Party

Blaydon and Consett

Rebecca PaulConservative and Unionist Party

Reigate

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