Oral QuestionDepartment of Health and Social Care

“What steps his Department is taking to improve maternity and neonatal care.”

Tabled: 15 October 2025Answered: 21 October 2025

Asked by

Samantha Niblett

Labour — South Derbyshire

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

Answer from Hansard

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)

I am deeply concerned by the state of maternity care that we inherited in the NHS. That is why I have asked Baroness Amos to chair an independent investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal services. Families deserve truth and justice, there must be accountability for failings, and services must improve. I am committing to doing whatever it takes to provide patients and babies with safe, comfortable and dignified care. I should also inform the House that this week I have announced an inquiry into failings at the Leeds teaching hospital trust. I am working with the families affected to agree on a chair and terms of reference, and I will keep the House updated on next steps.