Morris acknowledged the excellence of Brine's analysis and report on improving cancer services. He pointed out that recent statistics show a worsening situation regarding waiting times for cancer patients, indicating an urgent need to address these issues.

Throup agreed with Brine's concerns about the potential weakening of anti-obesity measures. She highlighted the public support for banning TV advertising of foods that contribute to obesity and urged the government to align with these public wishes.

Foord drew attention to disparities in cancer care, using his local trust as an example. He noted that fewer than 60% of patients see a specialist within two weeks despite the target being set at 93%, underscoring the need for both 'levelling up' and addressing disparities across different regions.

Morris highlighted his personal and professional experience in the health sector, including his work with diagnostic laboratories and his involvement in various parliamentary committees. He emphasised the importance of radiotherapy and cancer treatment capacity improvements, noting that despite advances in diagnosis technology, investment is needed to ensure adequate treatment facilities. Morris pointed out that the UK spends only 5% of its dedicated cancer budget on radiotherapy compared to a 9% OECD average. He also raised issues with the current tariff system that financially disadvantages trusts using advanced precision radiotherapy equipment and called for immediate reforms to address these issues.

Welcomes the Health and Social Care Committee's report on cancer services and commends the committee members. Discusses community diagnostic centres, highlighting that 91 are open with a further 60 planned by March 2025. Mentions her constituency's centre has conducted over 6,500 tests since opening last year. Stresses the importance of diagnostics in supporting cancer services and tackling backlogs. Raises concerns about workforce shortages (30% shortfall in clinical radiologists, 17% in clinical oncologists) and ageing equipment (CT and MRI scanners older than optimal lifespan). Calls for investment in training places to address staffing gaps and a comprehensive audit of diagnostic equipment. Questions the Minister on investments in training and equipment, and highlights disparities in cancer rates across different regions due to health inequalities. Advocates for prevention measures against smoking, obesity, and alcohol consumption.

The hon. Member highlights the overwhelming and overstretched NHS cancer services, noting that only 60.5% of patients started treatment within two months of urgent referral in September. She notes specific local statistics from Coventry where 57.2% of patients at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust began their treatment within two months of being referred by a GP, which is below the national target of 85%. The Member emphasises that waiting lists are increasing, referrals are slower than ever, screening is in crisis, patient satisfaction has plummeted, medical professionals are leaving the sector in droves, and structural challenges face the NHS. She urges the Government to commit to publishing a full workforce plan next year and deliver funding for any workforce growth to succeed. The hon. Member also addresses concerns about clinical director morale and burnout across the radiology workforce and warns of the potential need for expensive outsourcing if the situation worsens. She calls for a 10-year cancer plan, noting that under the last Labour Government there was a long-term strategy which led to record high patient satisfaction, low waiting times, speedy referrals, and improving survival rates.

Thanked the Backbench Business Committee for granting the debate and praised Steve Brine for securing it. Emphasised the critical importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment in improving cancer survival rates, citing a Select Committee report which highlighted staff shortages as the main issue preventing improvement. Highlighted that more than 60% of cancers are diagnosed following a GP referral but due to pressures on general practice, there is an increased risk of missed cancer diagnoses. Cited figures indicating a shortage of GPs since 2015 and the current failure to meet two-week waiting times for urgent referrals from GPs. Stressed that although the pandemic has had an impact, it was clear that pre-pandemic targets were not being met. Criticised the government's lack of action on workforce planning and called for a detailed plan addressing shortages of oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and specialist cancer nurses by 2030 as highlighted in the report. Advocated for Labour’s long-term workforce plan including doubling medical school places, district nurses and creating more nursing clinical placements, funded by scrapping non-dom tax status.

Whately thanked Steve Brine for raising the debate and congratulated him on his election as Chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee. She acknowledged the challenges faced in cancer diagnosis and treatment, including capacity issues and disparities affecting more deprived communities. Whately highlighted several initiatives such as the expansion of community diagnostic centres, surgical hubs, and investment in radiotherapy equipment. She also mentioned the NHS's efforts to increase urgent cancer referrals and improve early diagnosis through campaigns like 'Help us, Help you.' Whately emphasised the need for continued focus on workforce training and support to meet cancer treatment goals.

Morris focused on issues related to radiotherapy machines and their maintenance. He questioned why specific figures regarding outdated equipment were not readily available, suggesting that NHS England should have an ongoing audit system to identify and plan for the replacement of older machines.

Owatemi, a former oncology pharmacist who volunteers in her local hospital, highlighted challenges related to cancer referrals and treatment targets. She noted that while there has been an increase in urgent cancer referrals by GPs, the UK is not meeting its targets for treatment rates.

Throup emphasised the importance of community diagnostic centres and raised concerns about workforce pressures within the NHS. She also called for an audit to assess cancer equipment across various regions, noting that radiotherapy machines were outdated in some areas.