Mrs Sharon Hodgson

Mrs Sharon Hodgson

Labour — Washington and Gateshead South

Speaking in the House of Commons on 22 June 2026

Debate

Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Newborn Screening Test

Contribution

Again, I have heard my hon. Friend’s remarks. They are not falling on deaf ears, as I am sure she is aware. The previous Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the Member for Ilford North (Wes Streeting), met Jesy Nelson, along with Giles Lomax from SMA UK, and I know that that had a massive impact on him. They spoke at length about what is needed; he listened and we acted. That is why I was very happy to announce just last month that the planned start date of January 2027 would be brought forward by three months. The new start date for the in-service evaluation will be October 2026. From that date, babies will begin to be screened for SMA, and we will begin collecting the essential information needed to help many more children in the years ahead.

More from Mrs Sharon Hodgson

Other recent Hansard contributions by the same speaker.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

For Mrs Sharon Hodgson's full parliamentary record including voting history, expenses and all other contributions, see the Mrs Sharon Hodgson report card.

Partner sites