← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
National Lung Cancer Screening Programme
25 June 2026
Lead MP
Clive Jones
Responding Minister
Stephen Kinnock
Tags
NHS
Word Count: 7344
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Clive Jones raised concerns about national lung cancer screening programme in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government must reaffirm their commitment to a national roll-out timetable for lung cancer screening and ensure that it continues at pace until 2030. They should issue clear guidance to ICBs to prevent interference and guarantee ringfenced funding. Additionally, the workforce plan needs to be published to support the expansion of the programme.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Lung cancer is a rapidly fatal disease that kills nearly 33,000 people in the UK annually. The targeted national lung cancer screening programme has identified more than 10,600 lung cancers with over 75% diagnosed at an early stage compared to just 28% before screening was introduced. However, concerns about integrated care board interference and lack of ringfenced funding threaten the programme's success. There are also worries about workforce pressures, particularly in radiology and thoracic surgery.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Welcomed the national lung cancer screening programme and highlighted its success in early diagnosis, mentioning that more than 1.9 million have been invited to participate with over 5,037 cases detected since 2019; noted the importance of addressing incidental findings of emphysema and called for follow-up according to relevant guidance. This debate is about lung cancer, but Jim Shannon noted a story in the paper about an increase of between 5% and 10% in the number of people who now have breast cancer. He asked if the Minister agrees that while there are many advances in cancer treatment, more work remains to be done.
Luke Evans
Con
Bristol North West
He praised the roll-out of community diagnostic centres, highlighting a £24 million investment in Hinckley that has seen 59,000 patients through its door. He urged for further interventions to increase uptake among high-risk groups and questioned the Minister about how the Government will deliver targets set in the national cancer plan. Luke Evans expressed concern about the programme's roll-out speed despite it being impressive. He noted that 60% of people have taken up the offer while 40% have not, indicating a gap of over a third. Luke urged the Department to address this issue and explore ways to encourage more participation.
Olly Glover
LD
St Albans
Lung cancer is a devastating disease causing significant suffering in communities across the UK, with over 35,000 deaths annually. Early identification through screening saves lives and the current targeted programme in England has been world-leading, diagnosing more than 9,000 cases since its inception. However, there are concerns about funding sustainability and the impact of NHS reorganisation on roll-out progress. Additionally, there is a need for increased investment in radiotherapy machines and cancer nurses to meet treatment wait-time targets.
Government Response
Stephen Kinnock
Government Response
Acknowledged the significance of early diagnosis for lung cancer, noting over 42,000 diagnoses in England and about 35,000 annual deaths across the UK. Emphasised that lung cancer disproportionately affects deprived communities with higher smoking rates and incidence of the disease. Announced £650 million investment to complete roll-out by 2030, aiming to diagnose up to 50,000 cancers and identify at least 23,000 at earlier stages. Highlighted efforts to reduce inequalities through prioritised roll-outs in high-risk areas, improve access via community diagnostic centres, and invest in diagnostics, treatment, research, and innovation. Pledged commitment to shift towards prevention with the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.