Biography
Shannon has engaged extensively on health and social care through 40 debate speeches, with a particular focus on end-of-life care, vascular disease reform, and mental health support across vulnerable populations. His contributions frequently highlight health inequalities, particularly in deprived communities and rural areas, and he has emphasised the need for improved palliative care funding and mental health support for families facing serious diagnoses. Notable recurring themes include his advocacy against the assisted dying bill and his attention to specific health challenges affecting his Strangford constituency and Northern Ireland more broadly.
Generated from their own Hansard record, below
“I quote the story of one of my constituents, a motor neurone disease sufferer. He said that, if he had had the option of assisted dying two years ago, he probably would have taken it.”
Record by topic
- Mental health6th of 880216.0
- Cancer3rd of 622216.0
- Learning disability & autism8th of 899159.0
- Diabetes1st of 19096.0
- NHS waiting lists8th of 53480.5
- Palliative & end of life care15th of 56875.0
- Public health & prevention11th of 68872.0
- Heart disease & stroke1st of 39863.0
- NHS & care workforce/staffing5th of 30245.0
- Rare diseases1st of 20245.0
- Respiratory (asthma/COPD)1st of 14245.0
- Unpaid carers13th of 28339.0
- Maternity & neonatal13th of 43838.5
- Assisted dying28th of 37130.0
- Elderly care & frailty2nd of 23627.0
- Dementia10th of 25127.0
- A&E & ambulance response9th of 25827.0
- GP access13th of 24121.0
- Children's health6th of 15718.0
- Health inequalities28th of 28812.0
- Dentistry access41st of 1949.0
- Adult social care & reform99th of 3766.0
What they’ve said
“…This House must halt the process, pause the Bill and instead focus on properly funding world-class palliative care.…”
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill · 2026-09-11 · Read on Hansard ↗
“…Scotland are addressed, such as those relating to lower life expectancy, the diabetic foot protection service, vascular community waiting times and improvements, and pay for output and outcome. There was an incredible focus on all those things in the debate, and we thank the hon. Gentleman for that.”
Vascular Sector Reform · 2026-09-10 · Read on Hansard ↗
“…He has rightly said that, when it comes to vascular disease, while it is equal with cancer in its severity and in the numbers who lose their lives, it is not treated the same.”
Vascular Sector Reform · 2026-09-10 · Read on Hansard ↗
“…and encompasses peripheral arterial disease, chronic limb-threatening ischaemia, venous disease and devastating diabetes-related foot complications. I declare an interest as a type 2 diabetic, although I Richard in the Gallery might say, “Well, after that cake you had the other day, perhaps you’re not as careful as you…”
Vascular Sector Reform · 2026-09-10 · Read on Hansard ↗
“…Fatherlessness has been proven to have profound consequences for young men’s mental health, educational achievements and futures. This is an issue that is aptly termed not as lads need dads, but as a lost boys crisis.”
Fathers and Positive Male Role Models · 2026-09-10 · Read on Hansard ↗
Contributions reproduced under the Open Parliament Licence.