NHS Waiting Lists

Wales – in the House of Commons at on 12 March 2025.

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Photo of Douglas McAllister Douglas McAllister Labour, West Dunbartonshire

What recent discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on NHS waiting lists.

Photo of Jo Stevens Jo Stevens The Secretary of State for Wales

I regularly meet the First Minister to discuss a wide range of matters, including NHS waiting lists. The latest data shows positive progress in reducing long waiting times and the size of the waiting list, thanks to investment by both the UK and Welsh Governments.

Photo of Douglas McAllister Douglas McAllister Labour, West Dunbartonshire

I am appalled to hear that Plaid Cymru voted against £600 million of extra investment to bring down NHS waiting list in Wales, but I am afraid that this is a familiar story for our Scottish Members. Does the Secretary of State agree that nationalist parties will always prioritise niche constitutional distractions over delivering priorities for working families and what they need and deserve?

Photo of Jo Stevens Jo Stevens The Secretary of State for Wales

I could not agree more with my hon. Friend. Plaid Cymru Members will have to explain to their constituents why they voted against £600 million extra for the NHS last week, blocking crucial funding from reaching our hospitals, NHS staff and patients in Wales.

Photo of Jim Shannon Jim Shannon DUP, Strangford

One of the issues with waiting lists in Wales, as is the case all across the United Kingdom, concerns those who have been waiting first for diabetes diagnosis and then for treatment. There used to be a strategy in Westminster that encompassed not just England, but Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Would the Secretary of State support a similar strategy for the four regions together to address diabetes and what it is doing to this country?

Photo of Jo Stevens Jo Stevens The Secretary of State for Wales

We are talking about nations and regions, rather than just regions, but I would be happy to have a discussion with the hon. Gentleman outside the Chamber about that matter.