Govt makes new commitment to create a 'national cancer plan' at Lib Dem led debate

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Care Minister Stephen Kinnock has today made a new commitment to a “national cancer plan” during a Westminster Hall debate led by Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat MP for Wokingham.

At the debate, Kinnock said that “there does now need to be a national cancer plan” and that the government was in discussions over what form that plan should take. The Minister said that it will be put together after the government publishes its 10 year plan for the NHS in the spring of 2025.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for work on the plan to begin “immediately” and that it should include a guarantee for patients to begin cancer treatment within 62-days of a referral.

Liberal Democrat MP for Wokingham, Clive Jones said:

“Receiving a cancer diagnosis is one of the most devastating and shocking moments a person can experience.

“After years of Conservative neglect of our health service, sadly many now in this position find the care that they desperately need just is not there.

“That is why it is welcome that the government has listened to the Liberal Democrats and will bring forward a national cancer plan to look at these issues.

“The government should begin work on this plan immediately and include the Liberal Democrat call for cancer patients to have a legal guarantee to start treatment within 62-days of an urgent referral.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The Care Minister’s comments can be found here. (Timestamp: from 16:23:25).