Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

UK needs 'radical recovery plan’ to tackle cancer backlog: Ministers, health leaders

UK needs 'radical recovery plan’ to tackle cancer backlog: Ministers, health leaders

URGENT action is required to tackle the backlog in cancer treatment to prevent a second “devastating” health crisis post-Covid-19, says an open letter- signed by almost 70 MPs, heads of medical colleges and leading oncologists- addressed to prime minister Boris Johnson.

Calling for an immediate action plan, the chairs of all-party parliamentary groups (APPG), former cabinet ministers and a former cancer minister along with medical experts have urged the government to deliver a new “radical” national plan to tackle the cancer backlog or risk “tens of thousands of needless cancer deaths”.


The letter calls on the prime minister to consider the seven recommendations put forward by the cancer community and cross-party MPs in its recent report, which include delivering an action plan, investment in equipment and technology including £325 million in diagnostic infrastructure, and sweeping away bureaucracy that restricts cancer care capacity, among others.

Highlighting that there is a “considerable frustration” in the cancer community, the recommendations also include appointing a minister to lead a radical national recovery plan supported by an independent expert advisory group.

The report also mentions that the UK has the worst cancer survival rates among high-income countries due to persistent underinvestment and bureaucratic blocks.

Outlining the recommendations at an online cancer summit, APPG for Radiotherapy chair Tim Farron MP said the “frightening” cancer backlog is a preventable national crisis “but that can only happen if ministers are willing to accept there is a crisis, deliver vital investment in cancer services, and act quickly”.

Professor Pat Price, a leading oncologist, said that the entire cancer pathway needs urgent restoration throughout the country.  

“The prime minister has shown what can be done with the vaccine programme. Now, it’s a national imperative that he works with us to do the same for cancer.”

The open letter comes days after NHS England released the latest set of monthly performance figures on Thursday (10) which showed that the number of people waiting for hospital treatment in England has exceeded five million for the first time.

Meanwhile, cancer charities said it can take months even at increased capacity to catch up, and warned that the UK is facing the prospect of cancer survival going backwards for the first time in decades.

More For You

Voices of Faith - Day 2: A profound confluence of spirituality, music, and dialogue

Barnaby Rogerson in conversation with Anthony Sattin (L) on day 2 of Voices of Faith

Voices of Faith - Day 2: A profound confluence of spirituality, music, and dialogue

Mahesh Liloriya

The second day of Voices of Faith unfolded with an enchanting blend of music, philosophy, and intellectual exploration at the Barbican Centre, London. This inaugural festival, curated by Teamwork Arts—the force behind the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and JLF London—has been made possible by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, with the support of Tech Mahindra. Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat serve as the official media partners, amplifying the festival’s reach and resonance.

Session 1- Echoes of eternity: The timeless notes of Kabir

Keep ReadingShow less
starmer-immigration

Speaking at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, Starmer said the government is working to restore order to the immigration system.

UK returns 24,000 illegal migrants since July, highest in eight years

THE UK government has returned over 24,000 individuals with no legal right to remain in the country since July, marking the highest rate of removals in eight years, prime minister Keir Starmer said on Monday.

Speaking at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, Starmer said the government is working to restore order to the immigration system.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Aga Khan dedicated his life to service, peace, and pluralism'

Baroness Patricia Scotland speaks at an Iftar dinner held at the Ismaili Centre in London (Photo: The Ismaili National Council for the United Kingdom)

'Aga Khan dedicated his life to service, peace, and pluralism'

THE outgoing head of the Commonwealth has paid tribute to the late Prince Karim Aga Khan, describing him as a visionary leader whose lifelong dedication to service, peace, and pluralism has left a lasting impact on the world.

Speaking at an Iftar dinner held at the Ismaili Centre in London last Wednesday (26), Baroness Patricia Scotland, who steps down as Commonwealth secretary general on 1 April, reflected on her personal connection with the Aga Khan, recalling their meetings during Commonwealth Day celebrations at Westminster Abbey.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Trump-Getty

Trump has suggested the possibility of a 'great' trade deal that could help the UK mitigate the impact of tariffs he has pledged to introduce. (Photo: Getty Images)

Starmer, Trump talk trade deal progress in 'productive' discussion

KEIR STARMER and Donald Trump spoke on Sunday about ongoing UK-US trade negotiations, with Downing Street describing the talks as "productive."

Since leaving the European Union, the UK has been working to secure a trade agreement with the United States. Successive British governments have pursued a deal, but it has remained elusive.

Keep ReadingShow less
Myanmar-quake-rescue-Reuters

Rescuers carry the body of a victim during search and rescue operations, following a strong earthquake, in Bangkok, Thailand, March 30. (Photo: Reuters)

Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to 1,700, UK pledges £10m in aid

RESCUE efforts continued in Myanmar as residents searched for survivors in collapsed buildings in Mandalay, two days after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the country. The disaster has killed at least 1,700 people in Myanmar and 17 in neighbouring Thailand.

The quake hit near Mandalay on Friday afternoon, followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock. The tremors caused widespread destruction, damaging buildings, bridges, and roads in the city of more than 1.7 million people.

Keep ReadingShow less