Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 7:00am

Email the studio

Steve Miller Band

The Joker

Listen Live Podcasts

Harrogate MP urges Government support for community pharmacies

Wednesday, 19 March 2025 06:15

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has joined other Lib Dem MPs in urging more support for community pharmacies.

Tom joined 54 of his fellow Lib Dem MPs in co-signing a letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting.

The letter, put together by Lib Dem Health and Social Care spokesperson Helen Morgan and titled “The Future of Pharmacies”, calls for the Health Secretary to act to ensure that pharmacies get the funding and support they need.

It comes whilst the Government is in the process of expanding pharmacies’ responsibilities, and providing more care through them instead of hospitals and GPs.

Tom said:

“I'm committed to saving our pharmacies from neglect.

“This letter is an essential part of raising awareness for this struggling sector, and that’s why I’ve signed it.

“We must see action from the Government to ensure pharmacies have the support they need to continue to operate and provide essential services in our communities.”

The letter also raises the funding crisis facing Pharmacy First, an initiative that aimed to move more healthcare services in the community.

Currently, the funding for this service will expire at the end of the first week of April, with no funding confirmed beyond that.

As well as calling for more funding for this service, the letter also draws attention to the lack of confirmation around pharmacies’ funding rates, which is adding further uncertainty to what is already a precipitous situation.

Tom added:

“I’ve come together with my Lib Dem colleagues to call for action.

“We need action today to make sure that this struggling but essential sector gets the due care and attention from the Government.

"Community pharmacies are rooted amongst local people, and as such are a vital first line of support for so many.

“To lose them would not just be a disaster for the health of our nation, including in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

“I will continue the fight for everyone in Harrogate and Knaresborough to have the healthcare that they need and deserve.”

More from Local News

New independent café to open in Knaresborough tomorrow

A new independent café will open its doors in Knaresborough tomorrow (Thursday).
Dates revealed for 'new look' Harrogate Food and Drink Festival

Organisers of the annual Harrogate Food and Drink Festival have teased a "reimagined festival experience" when the event returns for a sixth year in 2026.
Five men due in court after vehicle theft in Harrogate

Five men are due to appear in court today (Wednesday) after they were arrested accused of stealing commercial vehicles near Harrogate.
Halloween half term success as thousands complete Harrogate monster trail

Harrogate BID is celebrating half term Halloween success after revealing thousands of people took part in its Monster Trail.
Harrogate bus firm offers free travel for Armed Forces

The Harrogate Bus Company is to offer free travel to current and former Forces personnel as the nation prepares to remember those who defended our freedom.
Harrogate estate agents scoop double gold at national awards

Harrogate Estate Agents Verity Frearson have scooped double gold at the Best Estate Agent Guide Awards in London.
'Business as usual' for Windsor House tenants as business hub gets new owners

It's 'business as usual' for tenants of Windsor House as one of Harrogate's most prominent business hubs changes hands.
Asda unveils new-look Harrogate store after £2million refurb

Asda has officially reopened its Harrogate store on Bower Road following a £2 million refurbishment.
Inspirational headteacher transforms 'inadequate' Harrogate school

Beckwithshaw Community Primary School in Harrogate has achieved a significant turnaround, guided by an "inspirational" headteacher.
Harrogate MP steps up campaign to save Rotary Wood

Harrogate's MP is stepping up his campaign to ‘protect Rotary Wood’ amid Harrogate Spring Water’s proposed expansion.
Inspectors full of praise for Harrogate primary school

A Harrogate primary school has been praised by SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) in its latest report.
Harrogate's free repair café to return next weekend

Harrogate's volunteer-run Repair Café will be back next weekend, offering free fixes for broken household items.
Council issues roadworks update as Tesco works near completion

The one-way system on Skipton Road in Harrogate is expected to remain in place until later this month, as construction work linked to the new Tesco store nears completion.
Harrogate wins gold at Britain in Bloom awards

Harrogate has been awarded a gold medal at the national finals of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition.
A life of service: From military nurse to Principal of a Harrogate school

From the battlefields of the Gulf War to the classrooms of Harrogate Ladies’ College, Principal Joanna Fox’s life has been defined by courage, compassion and a deep sense of service.
Harrogate comedian to return to hometown as part of upcoming tour

Harrogate-born comedian Maisie Adam is set to return to her hometown next year as part of her brand-new UK tour, Whatsherface, which will run throughout 2026.
Swimming instructors visit Harrogate nurseries to teach water safety

Instructors from Harrogate School of Swimming have been visiting nurseries across the area to introduce young children to the basics of water safety.
Charity lunch at Harrogate hotel raises £2,700

A charity lunch held at the Yorkshire Hotel in Harrogate has raised £2,766 for Harrogate Theatre’s 125th anniversary fundraising appeal.
Knaresborough wins regional town crier competition

Knaresborough's town criers won top honours at the recent regional Town Crier Competition.
Details revealed for Ripon Christmas light switch-on

Details have been revealed for Ripon's annual Christmas light switch-on event, organised by Ripon City Council.