Cancer (Reporting and Strategy) Bill

Wendy Chamberlain Excerpts

Friday 13th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)]

My hon. Friend is making a powerful speech, which is bringing out some of the emotional impacts of cancer, but does he agree that there is also an economic argument to be made? If people are diagnosed and get treatment more quickly, they are more likely to be able to return to the workplace more quickly. We sometimes debate issues such as welfare in this Chamber, but surely getting things right in the NHS as quickly as possible has a wider economic benefit, too. All hon. Members should welcome that.

[Clive Jones]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right that earlier intervention helps people to get back into the workforce faster. It helps families get back into the workforce faster as well, because people want to take time off to help loved ones going through cancer treatment.

The Bill does not ask the Government to adopt a new cancer strategy. It does not seek to score party political points, or impose unrealistic obligations on Ministers or officials. It simply asks that Parliament and the people we represent are given a clear account of progress against the commitments that the Government have already made. The Bill is uncontroversial, and the Government have not given any reasons why it should not be supported. The charities support the Bill, patients support the Bill, and I hope that Members across the House will support the Bill.