Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Webb Excerpts

Tuesday 9th June 2026 Commons Chamber

[James Murray]

Under this Government, we have increased capital investment in our NHS estates, including hospitals. Under the previous Government, that was sorely lacking, which stored up the problems we are experiencing today. There is a huge amount that we need to invest in, to ensure that the NHS is fit for the future, but we also need to reform the service, which is why modernising the NHS is a key priority for me and this Government.

[Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)]

At the beginning of the year, Blackpool had the worst 12-hour A&E waiting times in the country, but thanks to the tireless work of local NHS staff, that has been reduced by 43%. However, we face some of the biggest challenges in the country with health inequalities, deprivation and the 21 million visitors that come every year, so will the Secretary of State agree to meet me and the chief executive officer of our hospital to talk about what support we can get to bring these numbers down, so that residents in Blackpool can get the care they need?

[James Murray]

I am very happy to work with my hon. Friend to tackle health inequalities in his area. As he rightly highlights, our investment in the NHS and in the wider health of the nation is specifically about tackling health inequalities such as those that he raises, which affect the life chances of his constituents.