Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate Zöe Franklin calls for Guildford's Conservative MP to back crucial King's Speech amendment
The Liberal Democrat Amendment, to be debated in Parliament later today (Wednesday 15th November), addresses what the Party says is the failure of the Conservative Government to commit to specific measures to tackle the crisis in the NHS and social care.
The amendment to the King’s Speech calls for the Conservatives to back up their manifesto promises with action, and is also demanding a commitment to give patients the primary care they need. It includes:
- enshrining in law a new right for patients to see their GP within a week, or
- within 24 hours in cases of urgent need
- a further call on the Government to publish a dental recovery plan that includes proposals to ensure everyone can access the care they need.
Zöe Franklin said: “This is the opportunity for the Conservative Government, and for our Conservative MP Angela Richardson, to show us and our NHS some much-deserved respect.
“Instead of so many empty promises, they should ensure we get the care we need and deserve, when we need it. NHS waiting lists have once again hit a new record high of 7.8 million. That is an appalling indictment of the Conservative Government’s continued neglect and broken promises.
“Waiting for an appointment with our dedicated but overwhelmed GPs and dentists can mean added distress and pain. And it can mean the first step on the path to further, vital, NHS treatment, is delayed.
“It is not good enough.”
Other measures in the amendment include ensuring the Conservative manifesto pledge of building 40 new hospitals is met, with many projects battling facing delays, and not receiving adequate funding.
Zöe Franklin added: “Ms Richardson should put party politics aside and put her constituents’ needs first. Choosing not to back the Liberal Democrat amendment would be a betrayal of her constituents.”
Further Information:
The Liberal Democrat amendment to the King's Speech can be found here (amendment n).