Getting access to an NHS Dentist is a difficulty that has been around for some time, with it having become increasingly more difficult since the Covid pandemic. The number of new dentists working for the NHS has not kept up with population growth since the late 90s, and a greater disparity has grown between working privately and taking NHS work. I welcome that serious efforts are being made to help address these difficulties.
A campaign pursued by Henry Smith MP calling for a ‘Buy British’ section on supermarkets’ online stores has received a further boost as Sainsbury’s becomes the biggest supermarket to implement a ‘Buy British’ section for online shoppers.
Last week’s Full Council meeting at Crawley Borough Council was shambolic. The Labour council leader had submitted a motion to the meeting, for the council to declare a housing emergency with an action telling himself to write to the government to seek assistance, which of course, he could do anyway.
There is no doubt that the world changed following the Covid pandemic and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. After decades of not being an issue, inflation became a menace throughout the western world and getting it under control had to be a top economic priority. Although the UK economy has grown faster than France, Japan and Italy since 2010, high inflation is the single biggest barrier to both economic growth and living standards.
We have just had Apprenticeship Week, which celebrated the achievements of apprentices. With Valentines Day this week, this is something I love to write about as helping people to fulfil their potential is a core belief for Conservatives and we’ve seen great progress.
The campaign which Henry Smith MP supports for a ‘Buy British’ section on supermarkets’ online stores has seen further success as Aldi launches a ‘Best of British’ section for click and collect shoppers.
· Dentistry is an essential part of NHS healthcare, and everyone who needs it should be able to access NHS dentistry and receive treatment quickly and easily when they need to keep their teeth and mouth healthy.
· That is why the Government are publishing its NHS Dental Recovery Plan, setting out a package of measures to deliver 2.5 million additional NHS dental appointments where they are needed, including locally in Crawley.
· The Government are delivering on its long-term plan to improve access to dentistry by making it faster, simpler and fairer to provide the care patients need.
Henry Smith MP has welcomed the Government joining up with clinicians, charities and patient groups to combat childhood cancer through a new taskforce.