Bath MP calls for stronger protections against brain injury in sport
Wera Hobhouse emphasises the importance of balancing safety with the benefits of physical activity
Bath MP Wera Hobhouse has called for the Government to prioritise safety measures to prevent acquired brain injuries in sports, particularly among children and young people.
Speaking in Parliament on 4th December, the Liberal Democrat MP highlighted the alarming statistic that someone in the UK is admitted to hospital with an acquired brain injury every 90 seconds. She warned that participation in high-contact sports significantly increases the risk for younger athletes.
The MP praised the University of Bath for its contributions to improving sports safety, including its internationally adopted “Activate” exercise programme which helps reduce youth concussions by up to 60%. She also welcomed the university’s partnerships with local schools, such as Beechen Cliff School, where instrumented mouthguards are being used to monitor head impacts and reduce injury among young rugby players.
Hobhouse also commended the work Headway Bath does in cognitive rehabilitation and support for adults with acquired brain injuries and their families. However, she expressed concerns that the charity is under severe financial strain, with seven local Headway branches closing in the last three years.
The issue is further highlighted by the upcoming 2024 report from the Lancet commission on dementia prevention, which links traumatic brain injury to around 3% of global dementia cases. Hobhouse emphasised the need for immediate action to mitigate such risks, including investment in research into the connections between brain injury, dementia, and sport.
“We must not frame this as a choice between sport and safety," Hobhouse said. "With the right approach, we can protect athletes of all ages while encouraging the physical activity that keeps our brains healthy.”
The Bath MP urged the government to ensure its upcoming Acquired Brain Injury Action Plan addresses long-term support and prioritises prevention.
You can read more about the Government's Acquired Brain Injury Action Plan here.