South Lakes MP challenges Chancellor to invest in local cancer services

On the floor of the House of Commons this afternoon, local MP Tim Farron urged the Government to significantly increase spending on radiotherapy to provide treatment closer to home for patients in the South Lakes.

Speaking Treasury Questions, Tim said: "50 percent of people living with cancer require radiotherapy treatment.

"And yet only 5 percent on the cancer budget is spent on radiotherapy.

"What that means in real terms is that constituents of mine in Westmorland and Lonsdale have to make two, three, four-hour round-trips in order to get lifesaving daily treatment.

"Will the Chancellor commit to spending the money on cancer provision, on radiotherapy provision, to provide satellite units at places like Kendal's Westmorland General Hospital."

In response, the Chancellor Sajid Javid said the Government was "absolutely committed to provide the resources that are necessary for the NHS to provide even better cancer treatment for his constituents".