Written question asked by Josh Fenton-Glynn (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 (named day). It was answered by Preet Kaur Gill (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Health Professions: Conduct

Question: What discussions he has had with healthcare regulators on the application of adequate sanctions in cases of serious misconduct.

Answer: Patient safety will always be a top priority for this government. Which is why, while healthcare regulators operate independently, my department regularly meets them, including to discuss their legal duties. We are delivering a major reform programme to give regulators better tools and enable swifter action to protect the public, like the proposed removal of the 5-year rule, which currently makes it more difficult for the GMC and some other regulators to take action relating to historical cases.

Secondary information