MP urges ministers to use Spending Review to catch up with cancer

On the floor of the House of Commons this week, local MP Tim Farron pressed ministers to use next week's Comprehensive Spending Review to invest in cancer services to help clear the huge backlog created by the COVID-19 crisis.

Tim told the House that new figures from the British Medical Journal show that the pandemic is set to result in approximately 60,000 years of life being lost to cancer.

Speaking in Parliament, Tim said: "Will the minister confirm whether her Department is making an urgent bid for spending review funding for smart radiotherapy, for delivery at satellite sites and for digital technology, to ensure that we clear the backlog, save lives and catch up with cancer?

In response, Health Minister Jo Churchill said: "As he will know, the comprehensive spending review will deliver forth, and bids have been put in across the piece. I am sure he will understand that it is not my place to answer, as those decisions are still being made.

"I recognise that, as the hon. Gentleman says, there is a way to go, but I am aware of how much each day spent waiting for a diagnosis, for treatment or for an answer suspends time and feels like a year for the individual.

"We will continue to ensure that cancer services are prioritised and we thank those who work in the cancer workforce for everything they are doing."