Oral Answers to Questions

Ben Goldsborough Excerpts

Wednesday 15th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that food security is national security. I believe that our reforms strike the right balance, enabling investment in the public services that rural communities rely on. I thank him for drawing my attention to that report; he is right to do so. What really matters is increasing the year-on-year profitability of our farmers, which is why the former president of the National Farmers Union is leading a review of farm profitability for us. We are also delivering a 25-year farming road map and boosting export opportunities through the EU and US trade deals. That is backed by the £11.8 billion in the Budget for farming.

[Ben Goldsborough (South Norfolk) (Lab)]

Q10. As many Members know, I am currently being treated for stage 2C skin cancer. I am responding well, but only because it was caught early and because I have had the very best of NHS care. Not everyone is so fortunate. Zoe Panayi, a 26-year-old from the Isle of Wight, was told that her mole was harmless. She had it removed privately, but it proved to be malignant. She tragically died in 2020. Her family—Charlie and Eileen are in the Gallery today—have shown extraordinary courage, working with my hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight West (Mr Quigley) and me to campaign for Zoe’s law: compulsory testing of all removed moles. Will the Prime Minister meet us, and Zoe’s family, to discuss how we can make this a reality?

[The Prime Minister]

On behalf of the House, I wish my hon. Friend the very best for his recovery. I know that this is a deeply personal campaign for him—a campaign that is also supported by our hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight West. May I send my deepest sympathies, and pay tribute to, Zoe’s family, who are with us today? Their bravery is staggering, and I share their determination to improve cancer survival rates. That is why we are investing billions to see earlier diagnosis and faster treatment of cancer, and are developing a national cancer plan. Of course, we will get a meeting set up, and if the family are available and it is convenient —I do not know whether it is—I will ask the Health Minister to meet them later today, or, if that is not convenient, at the earliest possible opportunity, so that they can have that discussion.