Fixing Our NHS and Supporting Carers: What We Fought For on Opposition Day

Yesterday was a significant moment in Parliament, as the Liberal Democrats used their first Opposition Day in 15 years to shine a spotlight on the NHS crisis and the lack of support for unpaid carers. Both of these issues are hitting people hard in West Berkshire and across the country, and I was proud to stand up in the House of Commons to share the concerns of my constituents.

A recent poll commissioned by the Liberal Democrats reveals some shocking statistics. Almost half (45%) of all UK adults who wanted to book a GP or NHS dentist appointment were unable to. Even more concerning is that one in four working adults were unable to work because they were waiting for an appointment. These figures reflect the growing crisis we’re seeing in the NHS as we head into the winter months.

In West Berkshire, the situation is particularly dire. Last year, we experienced a 31% increase in four-week waits for GP appointments compared to 2022. On top of that, we have the lowest pharmacy provision in the country, with 7,200 patients per pharmacy, compared to the national average of 4,600. The people I speak to are increasingly frustrated by the lack of access to healthcare, and it’s clear that urgent action is needed.

One of my constituents recently shared their story about going to a GP, only to be referred to a pharmacist, who then referred them back to the GP. This kind of inefficiency is all too common and is letting people down. It’s no wonder that 24.2% of people have reported having a poor experience with their GP.

That’s why yesterday’s debate was so important. Our first motion focused on the Carer’s Allowance repayments scandal, which has been an unfair burden on so many unpaid carers. The government must write off existing overpayments and conduct a full review of the support provided to these carers, who give so much to our society.

Our second motion tackled the NHS crisis head-on. We called for healthcare guarantees that would give everyone the right to see a GP within seven days—or within 24 hours in urgent cases—and to ensure that people can access NHS dental care. We also highlighted the need for increased access to community pharmacists, particularly in areas like West Berkshire, where provision is so limited.

Despite the urgency of the situation, Labour MPs voted against both motions. This was deeply disappointing, and I know many people in West Berkshire will feel let down. Families, pensioners, and unpaid carers deserve better. The Liberal Democrats will keep fighting for the reforms that are so desperately needed.

As I said in my speech in Parliament, "The public are sick and tired of our failing NHS. That’s why in July this year, they prescribed the Conservatives with a much-needed period of opposition—hopefully, a repeat prescription. We must now focus on a treatment plan to get our NHS back to full health."

The crisis in the NHS isn’t just about healthcare—it’s an economic issue, too. When people can’t get the treatment they need, they’re unable to work. That’s why we’re calling for urgent investment in health services, to increase the number of GP and NHS dental appointments and cut down waiting lists.

As we move into the winter months, it’s crucial that the government makes healthcare its top priority. The people of West Berkshire and beyond are counting on it.

I’ll continue to stand up for my constituents and push for the changes we need. Our health and social care systems are in dire need of reform, and we must act before it’s too late.