A Solihull MP has introduced a crucial bill in Parliament that could mandate life-saving skills training in schools across the United Kingdom, potentially saving countless lives.
The Emergency and Life-Saving Skills (Schools) Bill
Conservative MP for Solihull West and Shirley, Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, presented the Emergency and Life-Saving Skills (Schools) Bill on Wednesday, June 17. This private member's bill proposes making life-saving skills training compulsory in all schools, building on his previous work in Parliament, including a Ten Minute Rule Bill on the same subject.
The legislation aims to strengthen societal resilience by ensuring that young people leave school with the confidence and skills necessary to respond to emergencies before professional help arrives. In 2026, Dr Shastri-Hurst visited schools across his constituency, where more than 1,000 students received training in critical life-saving interventions.
Dr Shastri-Hurst's Statement
Dr Shastri-Hurst said: "Every year, lives are lost because members of the public lack the confidence or knowledge to intervene in those crucial moments before emergency services arrive. My Bill is about changing that."
He added: "Whether it is responding to a road traffic accident, helping a victim of knife crime, administering CPR to someone, or knowing what to do in the face of a terrorist attack, we should be equipping young people with the skills and confidence to act when the unthinkable happens."
"Knife crime remains a serious problem in our communities and right across the country, and the Government must continue to do more to tackle this scourge at its source. But this Bill is about something wider - building a more resilient society by ensuring the next generation is better prepared to respond in an emergency."
"Having seen first-hand this year the enthusiasm of more than 1,000 local students undertaking life-saving training, I am convinced these skills should be made mandatory in schools. I hope this Bill can attract support from across Parliament. Saving lives should not be a partisan issue."
Next Steps
The Bill is expected to receive its Second Reading in Parliament on October 16, where it will be debated further.
