Tag Archive for 'NHS'

We must beat cancer

Hilary Myers, Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Calder Valley has joined hundreds of candidates across the country in signing up to Cancer Research UK’s Cancer Commitment, aiming to make UK cancer outcomes among the best in Europe in the next ten years.

Hilary, who has been treated for cancer herself in the past, said: “I am delighted to pledge my support for Cancer Research UK’s vital campaign. Cancer remains the public’s number one fear. With a concerted effort from the next Parliament, we can give hope to the millions of people affected by cancer and their friends and family.”

More than one in three people in Calder Valley will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. In the last thirty years, the UK’s 10-year survival rates have doubled but cancer survival rates still lag behind the best performing countries in Europe such as Sweden, Norway and Finland. Cancer Research UK is calling on Parliamentary candidates to commit now that if they are elected, they will help make cancer outcomes for patients in the UK among the best in Europe in a decade.

The Cancer Commitment calls on MPs in the next Parliament to take action in five key areas:

  1. Detecting cancer earlier
  2. Providing world class treatment
  3. Preventing more cancers
  4. Tackling cancer inequalities
  5. Protecting the UK’s research base

Jon Spiers, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigning at Cancer Research UK, said “To consign today’s cancer challenges to tomorrow’s history books, we must act now. Our thousands of scientists and our millions of supporters are hoping to see MPs in the next Parliament step up to the challenge.”

For information on Cancer Research UK’s Commit To Beat Cancer campaign, visit: www.CommitToBeatCancer.org.

Tories not to be trusted with our NHS

David Cameron may be “foursquare behind the NHS” (Labour Accused of Smearing Cameron – Courier website 16th August) but how many of his senior colleagues are foursquare behind him?

While progressive politicians from the other main parties in this country are applauding Barack Obama’s efforts to reform the health system in the US (a country where, if you are poor and disadvantaged, you get second rate medical care at best), leading British Tories are openly backing the belligerent right wing opponents of the President’s reforms.

How can the public believe the New Conservative rhetoric on the NHS when the party is still so bitterly divided on the issue?

We have had a system of health care in the UK for sixty years of which we are rightly proud. It is not perfect but it is based on extremely sound principles. The Tories have a very different set of priorities and I for one will never trust them with the NHS.

Hilary Myers
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Calder Valley
August 2009