Liberal Democrat Conference: Sir Ed Davey's party conference speech from Bournemouth

Sir Ed Davey will call for a new legal right for cancer patients to start treatment within two months of an urgent referral, using a keynote speech to underline the Liberal Democrats’ health pledges.
The Lib Dem leader has pledged £4 billion in order to deliver the plan over five years as he closes what could be the party’s last annual conference before a general election expected next year.
The Conservative Government already has a target for cancer patients to start treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral, but not all do.
Some 62.6% who had their first treatment in July after an urgent referral had waited under two months, up from 59.2% in June, according to latest health service performance data.
The Lib Dems want the pledge to be enshrined in law, which they say would make ministers more accountable for failures to meet the target.
It is understood this would involve patients reporting complaints to the health ombudsman, starting a process which could ultimately end with the Government facing legal action under the plan.
NHS Confederation welcomed the commitment but cast doubt on how it would guarantee patients are seen within two months.
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[@davidstutt409]

Time to vote reform uk

[@sheenayoung6141]

Say's the man who is unable to tell you what a woman is.

[@GreatSageSunWukong]

unelectable

[@davebrown5539]

The big question is, did he get his pronoun right 😂😂😂😂

[@alexanderfavell]

Audio is shocking, although more entertaining than the lack of substance dripping from Davey. PR could put a stop to these clowns...

[@artfuldodger9312]

Davey's you should be in comedy - you cetainly give me a good laugh.

[@englishjona6458]

Yes, they did yes they was and yes they are, absolutely you’re lying again

[@patchorley1140]

Can't take to him

[@englishjona6458]

Remember that coalition government at the beginning, I think you was the clowns in all of this don’t you remember or do you think we’ve forgotten and we haven’t told the new electorate oh it’s them that’s responsible for you paying those tuition fees

[@phaedrian]

Thank you for highlighting my case - Ian

[@facelessvaper]

If the sound was provided by the Lib dems support staff then I have no faith in these people & I've always voted Lib, start with decimalisation and join 75% of the US in legalisation. Go back to the Lib roots & state the polices.

[@alasdairgilchristmbe2564]

How many MPs do you have Ed? 😅

[@englishjona6458]

Tuition fees we will never forget that we will never forget that

[@Chiefmismaker]

Ed mate, i went to school with you. Give up!

[@stevenwilkinson7355]

Bi polar party

[@grahamherbert3612]

Davey's he be wired to da moon, poncy old nugget nibbler.

[@001razz]

The normal isn't working no more.
Try something new

[@7th.trumpet]

What a hilarious comedy sketch 🤣 😆. I'd never vote for national socialism in a million years, but this mob & woke labour are hilarious !! 😅

[@kennymiller3350]

Struggling to relevant

[@stevenwilkinson7355]

Never thought I'd say this but I have now shifted Left