Business of the House

Sarah Edwards Excerpts

Thursday 8th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The Government are looking across planning to ensure a balance between the natural world, which people are very concerned about, and development, or in this case improvement or repair. We want perhaps more of a balance than there has been in the past. I will draw this matter to the attention of the appropriate Minister, so that they can set out for the hon. Gentleman our plans to ensure that organisations such as Natural England have proportionate influence.

[Sarah Edwards (Tamworth) (Lab)]

Happy new year, Mr Speaker.

Access to a local GP is vital for every community, and residents in Shenstone and Stonnall are rightly concerned about a consultation that proposes reducing services at Westgate surgery from five days a week to three. That raises concerns about the long-term future of the practice, and risks forcing patients to travel 4 miles to Lichfield to access the services they need. Can we have time in this House to debate rural healthcare services and GP access?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

We absolutely recognise the challenges faced by rural areas, which is why we are increasing capacity in general practices by recruiting more GPs and ensuring that the necessary workforce are in place. However, my hon. Friend may wish to raise this issue directly with Ministers at Health questions on 13 January.