Earlier this week, I spoke in a Westminster Hall debate on prescription charge exemption for cystic fibrosis patients. People with cystic fibrosis currently have to pay for NHS prescriptions, despite needing many different meds to manage their condition, because the Government refuses to review the charge exemption list which was drawn up in 1968.

This topic is close to my heart, as my niece Maisie lives with cystic fibrosis. She’s benefited immensely from recent medical advances, but pains me to think that adults with her condition – like my constituent’s son James – are feeling financial pressure when paying for prescriptions that are free to those with certain other lifelong illnesses.

The debate took place on Groundhog Day, which is rather fitting given that Parliament has repeatedly debated reviewing prescription charges for CF patients since 1979! It’s frustrating that there’s been so little progress in this area over so long, and in light of the cost-of-living crisis, I call upon the Government to rethink its approach.

Read the debate transcript here.