Farron puts PM on the spot over Kendal cancer unit - Offer of Health Secretary meeting is massive step forward

South Lakeland MP Tim Farron today challenged Prime Minister Gordon Brown to act on his own government's cancer reform strategy by backing plans to build a new cancer unit at Westmorland General Hospital.

Speaking today during Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Farron called on the PM to join the thousands of campaigners backing proposals for the new cancer centre by making the £15million unit a matter of urgency.

The Prime Minister's reply meant that Mr Farron succeeded in winning a meeting with Secretary of State Andy Burnham, who along with Mr Farron will be meeting with cancer patients and health chiefs to discuss plans for the new cancer centre.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"According to the government's cancer reform strategy, no cancer patient should live more than 45 minutes from the nearest cancer treatment unit - but in South Cumbria, no one lives within 45 minutes of our nearest unit at Preston.

"Our proposal to bring radiotherapy treatment to south Cumbria already has the backing of the local hospital trust and thousands of residents who have petitioned for the cancer unit to be built. What we need now is support from the Government.

"I'm delighted that the Prime Minister has asked the Health Secretary to meet with all those involved in the campaign for the cancer centre. We now have the perfect opportunity to get the government's support and to press home the case for bringing a much needed cancer centre to Kendal as quickly as possible."