MP secures meeting with Health Minister over Cumbria cancer crisis

On the floor of the House of Commons this afternoon, local MP Tim Farron urged the new Health Secretary Therese Coffey to get a grip on Cumbria's dreadful cancer waiting times.

Speaking during today's Health Statement in Parliament, Tim said: "41% of my constituents with a cancer diagnosis are now waiting for more than two months for their first treatment for that cancer.

"We know that every four weeks that people wait with a diagnosis for treatment, they have a 10% reduction in their chance of surviving it.

"So this is killing my constituents every single day.

"There are quick fixes that are sustainable that could make a difference.

"One of them is radiotherapy and investment in radiotherapy up front now.

"Would she agree to meet with me and the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and key clinicians so we can help her get to grips of this problem and save my constituents' lives?"

In response the new Secretary of State said that the Minister for Primary Care, Will Quince MP, would be happy to meet with Tim and the APPG on Radiotherapy.