Liz Twist

Liz Twist

Labour — Blaydon and Consett

Speaking in the House of Commons on 8 September 2026

Debate

World Suicide Prevention Day

Contribution

Having done some work with the construction sector, I know exactly what my hon. Friend is talking about and how much attention must be paid to that issue. Sadly, my region, the north-east, has the highest number of deaths by suicide. That is not a league table that we want to top. The latest figures put the north-east’s rate at 15.1 deaths per 100,000 people. For men who have been referred to secondary mental health services, it climbs to 157.8 per 100,000. That harsh reality demands urgent, targeted intervention. Whenever we see such statistics in Parliament, we must immediately remind ourselves that there are real people behind the numbers. Each one of those individuals whose life was cut short leaves behind a devastating legacy of grief. The ripple effect of a single suicide spreads relentlessly through families, circles of friends and workplaces, and inflicts severe social and emotional consequences on entire communities.

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