Business of the House

Anna Firth Excerpts

Thursday 3rd March 2022 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

For the record, this is a Warrington Wolves tie and it really does double up well in showing support for Ukraine.

[Anna Firth (Southend West) (Con)]

Everyone in the new city of Southend-on-Sea stands in full solidarity with the people of Ukraine at this terrible time.

Will my right hon. Friend find time for a debate on the performance of the UK’s ambulance service? Twice in the past month elderly, vulnerable and frail residents in Southend West have been left, having had a fall, lying in the street, cold and frightened, not knowing when an ambulance will arrive—it then arrives hours later. Despite urgent representations to the chief executive of the East of England ambulance service, we have not even had an acknowledgment. This service is not fit for purpose and must be addressed urgently. Please may we have a debate on the UK’s ambulance service?

[Mark Spencer]

We are committed to supporting ambulance crews, who work tirelessly to respond to emergencies every day. We have more than 4,000 ambulance crews in operation across the country—an increase of 500 since 2018—and the Government have invested huge sums in our NHS throughout the pandemic. However, where there are performance issues, it is important that Members raise them, and I would be happy to support my hon. Friend in bringing this to the attention of the Secretary of State.