Westminster Hall debate on the prevention of deaths from eating disorders

On September 2, MPs came together in Westminster Hall to debate the prevention of deaths from eating disorders, led by Richard Quigley MP.

Opening the debate as both an MP and a father, Richard said:

“I have brought forward this debate not only as an MP, but as a father who for some years was genuinely fearful as to whether I would see my child reach their 18th birthday... Watching your child struggle not only with the illness but with the very treatments meant to help them is truly something I would not wish on any parent.”

The debate saw contributions from over 20 MPs, with many sharing personal stories to show the human cost of eating disorders. Richard Quigley MP paid tribute to families including those of Ruth Szymankiewicz and Zara, while others raised cases of young people who had died or been left without treatment. Paul Kohler MP spoke of his own daughter’s illness.

MPs also raised a number of concerns, including that:

• Deaths are under-reported. Many eating disorder deaths are misclassified, hiding the true scale of the crisis. MPs called for a national register and a confidential inquiry.
• Failures in care are costing lives. Preventable deaths have been linked to missed risks, poor professional knowledge and delays. Families also described fragmented care and being told loved ones must deteriorate before help is given.
• Early intervention is vital but lacking. Community and day services save lives and money, but services remain overstretched, waiting lists are long, and too many young people fall through the gap between child and adult care.
• Private equity involvement raises safety concerns. MPs warned that some providers put profit before patients and provide unsafe care, calling for stronger oversight and NHS-led services.
• Ethical concerns around treatment withdrawal. MPs highlighted cases where patients were deemed “terminally anorexic” and treatment withdrawn, even though recovery later proved possible.
• Specific conditions need recognition. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) remains poorly understood with few treatment pathways, while Type 1 Diabetes with Disordered Eating (T1DE) can be fatal without specialist services. MPs urged continued funding for T1DE pilots and better integration of care.
• Social media and online harms are fuelling illness. MPs cited harmful content on TikTok, “SkinnyTok” trends and AI chatbots giving dangerous advice, stressing the need for stronger enforcement of the Online Safety Act.

Responding on behalf of the Government, the Minister for Care, Stephen Kinnock MP, said:

“Every death from an eating disorder is a tragedy… but we must be clear that eating disorders are not terminal illnesses. With the right treatment and support, recovery is possible.”

He outlined measures including:

• £106 million in funding for children’s eating disorder services in 2024/25, helping reduce waiting lists.
• 3,138 children entering community treatment between April and June 2025, the highest figure on record.
• A national audit of eating disorders by the Royal College of Psychiatrists to improve data and monitor services.
• Expansion of community care and early intervention, alongside mental health support teams in schools.
• A new service specification for adult inpatient services, due by January 2026.
• Updated guidance for children and young people’s eating disorder services, though no publication date was confirmed.
• Ongoing work with the National Medical Examiner, Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Coroners’ Society to improve death recording.

We are proud that our research, campaigning and supporters’ voices were reflected so strongly in this debate. We also welcome Dr Luke Evans MP, Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary for Health and Social Care, raising our concern that the 10 Year Health Plan does not consistently prioritise mental health and contains no specific commitments on eating disorders.

Much more action is needed to prevent avoidable deaths and ensure everyone gets the support they deserve. We are determined to turn the momentum from this debate into meaningful reform and to help prevent further tragedies.