We need to get moving on the new hospital

At Copeland Council's December meeting, the council leader agreed with me that we need to press the NHS Trusts to take a decision as quickly as possible on the new West Cumberland Hospital.

Following on £35 billion of cuts in government spending plans in the Pre-Budget Report, the longer it takes to get a decision the greater the risk that when they are finally ready to start building the money we have been promised will no longer be there.

Of greatest concern was the comment from the leader that there does not appear to be an adequate process to get things moving.

The other thing we agreed on is that the hospital should be in Whitehaven.