The National Health Service

Debate between Rosie Duffield and Jonathan Ashworth

Wednesday 23rd October 2019 Commons Chamber

[Jonathan Ashworth]

I will give way in a few moments. Let me just finish this point.

When the Secretary of State announces new hospitals in press releases from Conservative campaign headquarters, he should also announce where he is downgrading hospitals. He should go to Telford and explain why the accident and emergency department there is closing and being replaced by an “A&E local”, which is presumably something like a Tesco Express. We would save that A&E department. The Secretary of State went to Chorley recently. The A&E department there is not open overnight. We would provide a rescue package for Chorley. I wonder whether the Secretary of State will also be visiting Canterbury to apologise, because the Prime Minister promised—

[Rosie Duffield (Canterbury) (Lab)]

rose—

[Jonathan Ashworth]

My hon. Friend represents Canterbury, so I will give way to her.

[Rosie Duffield]

Does my hon. Friend agree that the Prime Minister’s recent false promise of a brand-new hospital in Canterbury was extremely irresponsible? It turned out to be fake news, which left my desperate constituents confused and bitterly disappointed.

[Jonathan Ashworth]

The Prime Minister promised that new hospital at the Tory party conference, only for the Department to confirm later that Canterbury was not actually on the list.