It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair, Mr Hollobone. I start by paying tribute to Wera Hobhouse for securing an important debate on an important topic. I know that both as an MP and as the chair of the all-party parliamentary group she has long been a champion for those living with eating disorders. She has worked with Olivia Blake and others on the APPG to ensure that eating disorders are kept high on the political agenda.

I share the passion for this issue expressed by all the hon. and right hon. Members who have spoken in this debate. As John McDonnell said, one thing that unites everybody in the Chamber today is that we have all tried to help a constituent, or the family of a constituent, who is suffering from an eating disorder. I have certainly done so in my 13 years as the MP for Pendle, and those cases that I have dealt with are some of the most difficult and emotional to have come across my desk in my surgery.

Improving eating disorder services is a key priority for the Government and a vital part of our work to improve mental health services. As we have heard, this week is national Eating Disorders Awareness Week, and raising awareness is essential to making progress on this important issue. I am grateful for the work of Beat and other charities across the whole sector; they have shone a light on eating disorders and they support people who are struggling.

We know that having an eating disorder can so often be utterly devastating for those with the condition, as well as for those around them. As I think has been said by pretty much every hon. Member who spoke today, we know that eating disorders can affect people of any age, gender, ethnicity or background. However, we do know that recovery is possible, and that access to the right treatment and support can be life changing. Early intervention is vital, and we want to ensure that children and young people with eating disorders get swift access to support.

Since 2016, investment in children and young people’s eating disorder community services has risen every year; £53 million was invested per year in 2021-22, and that figure rose to £54 million in 2023-24. As part of the £500 million covid-19 mental health recovery action plan, we invested an extra £79 million to significantly expand young people’s mental health services—enabling 2,000 more children and young people to access eating disorder services. We have also introduced a waiting time standard for children and young people with eating disorders. Our aim is for 95% of children to receive treatment within one week for urgent cases, and within four weeks for routine cases.