MPs call for Starmer to ‘boost’ cancer diagnoses and survival rates

Your support helps us to tell the story

Support Now

Find out moreClose

As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.

Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.

Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election

Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Calls for Sir Keir Starmer to “boost cancer survival” and improve treatment rates have been made after the Princess of Wales revealed that she has completed her chemotherapy course.

Party leaders Sir Keir and Rishi Sunak paid tribute to Kate Middleton on Wednesday, following the release of a heartfelt video about her cancer journey.

During Prime Minister’s Questions, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed echoed the well wishes to the Princess and pushed the Government to ensure that patients receive treatment within 62 days of a diagnosis.

Labour MP Paulette Hamilton also called on Sir Keir to commit to “a long term cancer strategy” to improve treatment across the UK.

The Prime Minister said the previous Conservative government had “failed” cancer patients, and pledged to “get the NHS catching cancer on time”.

In the Commons, Sir Ed said: “When it comes to fighting cancer, we know all too well that every day counts.

“Last year the last Government had over 100,000 patients waiting more than two months just to start their urgent cancer treatment, the worst on record.

“Will the Prime Minister help boost cancer survival rates by guaranteeing that every patient can start cancer treatment within 62 days?”

Sir Keir said a report on the last government’s cancer treatment record will be published on Thursday, written by honorary consultant surgeon Lord Ara Darzi.

He said: “This timeline matters, which is why we are taking steps straight away to make sure that we can comply with that timeline, because lives depend on it.

“That’s why already we have taken the decision to put more scanners in to catch this early, and use technology. It is a very serious issue and a very serious failure by the last government.”

Later in the session, Labour’s Ms Hamilton (Birmingham Erdington) said: “More than half of people with pancreatic cancer die within three months of diagnosis, and seven in 10 people never even receive treatment.

“Every two minutes in the UK someone is diagnosed with cancer, but for those diagnosed with the least survivable cancer, time has too often already run out.

“I’m really proud of the Labour Government’s commitment to our NHS, but will the Prime Minister now commit to reviewing a long term cancer strategy, so we can improve diagnosis and treatment rates in this country?”

Sir Keir replied: “Cancer patients have been failed by the last government, waiting far too long for diagnosis and treatment.

“We’ll get the NHS catching cancer on time, diagnosing it earlier and treating it faster, so more patients survive this horrible set of diseases.”

Elsewhere in PMQs, Sir Keir reaffirmed his commitment to bring in legislation to compel criminals to be present for sentencing hearings.

The mother of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, who was fatally shot at her home in 2022, is campaigning for Olivia’s law, after her daughter’s killer did not appear in court.

Thomas Cashman was given a mandatory life sentence after being found guilty of murdering nine-year-old Olivia in Dovecot, Liverpool.

The Prime Minister’s comments came in response to Labour MP Anneliese Midgley (Knowsley), who said: “Last week I met my constituent Cheryl Korbel, mother of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, the nine-year-old tragically murdered in 2022.

“Cheryl is campaigning for Olivia’s law which would compel convicted criminals to attend court, and face the judge, and receive their sentence. Will (Sir Keir) commit to supporting Olivia’s law and meet Cheryl to discuss without delay?”

Sir Keir replied: “In the King’s Speech we confirmed that we intend to introduce legislation this session, so courts have the power to order the most serious offenders to attend their sentencing hearings.

“This is really important, and I know it’s felt across the House, because to deprive victims and their families of seeing the sentencing exercise, is to deprive them of justice.

“I will meet Cheryl, I have already met Cheryl, and gave her that commitment last August that we will do this, and I repeat it again today. And I would just pay tribute to the campaign that she has led.”