Lib Dem MPs highlight Government apathy towards the cancer backlog on World Cancer Day

Today, on World Cancer Day, Liberal Democrat MPs Tim Farron, Munira Wilson and Jamie Stone have tabled a Parliamentary motion highlighting the urgency of the cancer backlog.

Having campaigned constantly on this issue since the start of the pandemic, the three MPs once again called attention to the 35,000 excess cancer deaths expected as a result of the cancer backlog.

Supporting the Catch Up with Cancer campaign, the MPs are asking for an urgent injection of cash into cancer treatments and for the Conservative Government to publish a clear and comprehensive plan for the recovery of cancer services to tackle this national crisis.

Chair of the Radiotherapy APPG and local MP Tim Farron, said: "I am massively grateful to everyone on the frontline working tirelessly to keep cancer services running through this crisis.

"Yet, through no fault of their own, they have been left to tackle a serious cancer backlog without the additional investment needed to boost vital COVID-safe radiotherapy treatment. Thousands of people could have their lives saved, their families spared unspeakable grief, if the Government acts urgently to catch up with cancer."

Sponsoring the motion as Health and Social Care spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, Munira Wilson said: "The pandemic has caused critical delays in cancer diagnosis and has increased the risk that people will suffer the worst effects of this disease. It is vital the Government now delivers a strategy to ensure all those who have been left behind are offered timely cancer diagnosis and treatment."

After tabling the motion, MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, Jamie Stone said: "My family knows all about the fear and sadness of cancer.

We cannot possibly allow the present pandemic to stand in the way of treatment and care of cancer patients. I hope we can use World Cancer Day to reflect and refocus our energies on this vitally important issue."