Harrogate and Knaresborough MP secures ministerial meeting to discuss landmark regional cancer report

Today in Parliament, Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, shone a spotlight on the vital work of Yorkshire Cancer Research and urged the Government to integrate the charity’s forthcoming recommendations into the national cancer strategy.

Tom’s remarks come ahead of the launch of a landmark report by Yorkshire Cancer Research, based in his constituency, as part of its ‘Change Yorkshire’s Cancer Story’ campaign.

The report will lay out evidence-based recommendations for tackling the disproportionately high rates of cancer in Yorkshire through investment in research, prevention, and treatment.

In the House of Commons, Tom called on the Minister to meet with him and Yorkshire Cancer Research to explore how the report’s findings could help shape national policy and reduce regional health inequalities.

This follows Tom’s ongoing campaigning for greater investment in cancer services in Yorkshire.

Earlier this year, he tabled a Parliamentary motion celebrating Yorkshire Cancer Research’s centenary and its long-standing commitment to saving lives across the region.

Commenting Tom said:

“The importance of regional charities and strategies in tackling issues like cancer cannot be understated.

It was fantastic to highlight the vital work of Yorkshire Cancer Research today, a charity so fundamentally important to Harrogate and Knaresborough, and to Yorkshire as a whole.”

“Cancer devastates so many lives. As I said in the Commons, every 17 minutes someone in Yorkshire is diagnosed with cancer. This report sets out clear and credible solutions to change that, and I urge the Government to listen.”

“This issue is deeply personal to me. While I was studying for my master’s degree, I helped care for my mum during her battle with cancer, alongside looking after my younger sister. Thankfully, she recovered but that experience is one of the reasons I entered politics. I saw how critical support, timely treatment, and local services are to people’s lives. We need to make sure no one is left behind when it comes to cancer care.”

“I was pleased by the Minister’s openness to a meeting, and I will continue to push for this report’s findings to be taken seriously. Regional voices like Yorkshire Cancer Research must help shape national health strategy, because they know our communities best.”

ENDS