Jonathan Ashworth responds to Panorama investigation into cancer deaths

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, responding to experts warning of cancer deaths, said:

“These figures should be wake up call for Ministers – we already know that there’s been a drop in urgent referrals for  cancer and waiting times for vital scans are soaring. 

“There will be tragic consequences if Ministers do not urgently put in place the measures needed to restore cancer services and get people the treatment they need. 

“We need a fully-resourced plan to restart cancer services; a strategy that enables us to move between the competing demands of the Covid-19 pandemic and non-Covid related care in the months ahead.”

Ends

Notes to Editors

·       Coronavirus could cause 35,000 extra UK cancer deaths, experts warn https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-53300784