[2nd Allocated Day]

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Amendment 1169 would be of great benefit in tackling health inequalities. It would make a real difference to people's lives. Requiring the Secretary of State to lay an annual report before Parliament on progress towards ending health inequalities is therefore key in ensuring that proper accountability continues to exist. What is he afraid of? He could see the impact and put in place mechanisms to continue to improve, learning from the evidence and making progress. Considering how we can reduce inequalities in constituencies such as mine is a constructive way forward. I call on the Secretary of State to think again and accept this sensible amendment. In conclusion, as the Marmot review stated, the"““link between social conditions and health is not a footnote to the 'real' concerns with health…it should become the main focus.””" Tackling health inequalities should be a central aim of health care policy for any Government, and the amendment would be crucial for achieving that. I hope that Members on both sides will back it and that the Secretary of State will take note.