Merton women left behind: Lib Dems slam Labour failure on breast cancer screening

Last night, Merton Labour blocked Lib Dems’ Women’s Health Strategy, despite Merton remaining the only borough in Southwest London without a breast cancer screening centre. Lib Dems warn on average 70 breast cancer cases go undiagnosed each year due to low screening rates. 

Merton Liberal Democrats have sharply criticised Merton Labour councillors for blocking proposals for a comprehensive Women’s Health Strategy.

The strategy incorporated the Liberal Democrats’ long-running campaign to secure local breast screening services, a service already provided in every Southwest London borough apart from Merton.

The Lib Dem’s proposals were driven by growing concerns about declining breast cancer screening rates. In 2023-24, only 65% of eligible women in Merton attended screening, resulting in an average of 70 cases of breast cancer going undiagnosed annually.

The Liberal Democrats first called for a local screening centre more than three and a half years ago*, during which time no meaningful action has been taken.

When pressed at the Council meeting, Labour councillors refused to confirm whether they had even submitted a formal application for a mobile screening unit in the borough.

The Liberal Democrats continue to push for a mobile screening centre to ensure women in every part of the borough can access life-saving early diagnosis. Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler also continues to push this issue in Parliament. 

Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler said:

“Women in Merton are being failed by Labour’s inaction, and last night’s meeting made that painfully clear. I’m shocked to see so little progress on increasing provision. This is a disease where screening programmes work and are cost-effective.

Each day’s delay means more breast cancer going undiagnosed and women’s lives being jeopardised.”

Commenting, Cllr Jenifer Gould said:

“This just isn’t good enough. We were shocked to see them vote against such a pivotal move for women’s health. Politics aside, this is a priority for Merton, and the figures don’t lie. This totally challenges their claim to be taking a preventative approach to health.”

“Instead, the Liberal Democrats are leading the conversation. But as the administration, Labour must cooperate in order to take action. Evidently, women’s health is not a priority for Merton Labour.”

ENDS

Further reading:

You can read more and view Merton Liberal Democrats’ petition here

Merton Liberal Democrats 2023 Health amendment can be found here

The Liberal Democrats Women’s Health Motion is available here

You can watch the council meeting here