Tom Gordon Steps Up Pressure on PM to Tackle TEWV Crisis

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has stepped up
pressure on the Government to launch a full, judge-led inquiry into the failings at Tees, Esk
and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV), writing directly to the Prime Minister to
demand urgent action.

Following his recent Prime Minister’s Question, Tom wrote to the Prime Minister to welcome
the Government’s indication that a public inquiry is under consideration, stressing that such
an inquiry is absolutely essential. He warned that previous reviews have consistently fallen
short, failing to achieve the scale of change needed, and insisted that only a full, judge-led
inquiry can deliver genuine accountability and lasting improvement.

In his letter, Tom also demanded immediate, interim action to protect patients currently
receiving care from TEWV. He warned that people cannot wait months or years for change,
and called for urgent, decisive measures alongside the inquiry to safeguard patients and
begin restoring trust in local mental health services.

The letter has been signed by several Labour MPs representing constituencies served by
TEWV, highlighting strong cross-party support for both immediate action and a full inquiry.
Tom remains committed to working with colleagues across parties to keep up pressure on
the Prime Minister until the inquiry is launched and urgent improvements are made.

Commenting, Tom said:

‘A full, judge led public inquiry into the failings at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS
Foundation Trust is absolutely essential.

‘Anything less would be a betrayal of the patients currently in TEWV’s care and the families
who have already lost loved ones under its watch.

‘But while the Government must commit to an inquiry, it also must take urgent, decisive
steps now to improve care – to prevent further tragedies and begin rebuilding trust in our
mental health services.’