Pharmacy First
Debate between Ben Bradshaw and Andrea Leadsom(2 months, 4 weeks ago)
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Dame Andrea Leadsom
Yes, there will be a significant communications package, beginning today.
Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab)
The Minister does not appear to be concerned about the record number of community pharmacy closures under this Conservative Government. Why does she think it is happening?
Dame Andrea Leadsom
There has been a 61% increase in registered pharmacists since 2010, with plans to increase that number by 50% in the next few years.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Ben Bradshaw and Andrea Leadsom(4 months, 3 weeks ago)
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Dame Andrea Leadsom
I am glad that my hon. Friend has raised this issue. He is absolutely right; in local authorities we need mayors and integrated care boards supporting primary care and not listening to the Opposition, who talk it down the whole time. The 50 million more GP appointments is something to celebrate.
Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab)
Given that obesity now costs the NHS and our economy much more than smoking, why does the Secretary of State support a total ban on smoking but think that measures to tackle obesity are nannyish?
Dame Andrea Leadsom
The right hon. Gentleman raises a completely artificial barrier. Smoking is totally preventable; it is the cause of one in four cancers and 75,000 deaths. It is unbelievably appalling. Obesity is a complex area and one that the Government are focused on. We need to tackle it, but it is entirely different.