Dr.

Full statement

Anna Fryer has always been interested in public service – “Growing up in Cumbria, my Mum and Dad were always encouraging us to look after others – no wonder my three other sisters also became Doctors and Teachers!” Anna’s philosophy is simple- the reason I am standing is because I have spent 20 years working in the NHS and to make patients life better, we need more people like me with real experience in health in Parliament, who understand the NHS and patient care. The last few years in the NHS and Social Care have been a failure of Government. Quite simply our citizens have found the NHS has not been there for them when they needed it most. This is not the fault of NHS workers but a choice by the Conservatives not to plan our services and staffing properly. It has been heartbreaking watching patients waiting in the Emergency Department for hours and even days. Patients face huge barriers in accessing care, be it difficulties seeing their GP or long waiting lists. This is a failure that this government should be ashamed of. A vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote to save our NHS after years of Conservative chaos. One issue that has been raised time and again by the people of Pendle and Clitheroe on the doorsteps is the horrifying conflict in the Middle East and the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. Anna says “I have spoken to many people about this conflict, and the unimaginable horror facing civilians. I have been profoundly moved by our own Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran’s work and campaigning calling for an immediate, bilateral ceasefire. As the daughter of a Palestinian she has faced the trauma of supporting her family escape yet has spoken insightfully to understand both peoples. As Liberal Democrats we have not sought to play political games and given in to the siren song of easy answers. Instead we have stood consistently and clearly for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the suffering of innocent civilians.