Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alistair Burt and Jake Berry

Tuesday 5th January 2016 Commons Chamber

[Jake Berry (Rossendale and Darwen) (Con)]

T8. Will my right hon. Friend join me in paying tribute to the first responders in Rossendale, who support the ambulance service by attending 999 calls to very serious cases, including one involving a friend of mine over Christmas? Will he in particular pay tribute to Brian Pickup, who is stepping down as team leader of the first responders after 11 years of unpaid public service?

[The Minister for Community and Social Care (Alistair Burt)]

I am delighted to do so. First responders have been a valued addition to the frontline of allied health professionals whom we can all support, and I am delighted to pay tribute to Brian for the work that he has done. I am sure that I speak for everyone in the House in saying a warm thank you to all those who have been part of the first responder scheme for the effort they have put in.