Catch Up With Cancer

My Liberal Democrat parliamentary colleagues and I agree that cancer patients deserve timely access to lifesaving treatments, including radiotherapy. The legacy left by the previous Conservative government of unacceptable delays in cancer treatment and the serious risks these pose to patients’ health.

I have signed Early Day Motion 51. The backlog and delays in cancer treatment are concerning, and we are pressing Ministers to increase treatment capacity and reduce waiting times.

The UK should at least meet the global recommendations for radiotherapy treatment and ensure all patients have access to this treatment. I will support Ministers if they deliver the resources and infrastructure needed, and continue to support the #CatchUpWithCancer campaign.

Cancer treatment is both a sensitive and critical subject, which is why I have worked consistently to support cancer patients by raising concerns about NHS cancer waiting times in Parliament and pressing for a review of how cancer services are delivered. I’ve also worked with cancer charities and local organisations to ensure that the voices of patients and healthcare professionals are heard when decisions about cancer care are being made.

I will monitor this closely, including in my role as a member of the Health Select Committee.