October 22nd 2025

By Ailsa Colquhoun

Lib Dem MP uses national radio to highlight rural cost pressures

The increased costs of rural general practice were highlighted today on the Nick Ferrari breakfast show on LBC radio. (08:35)

Invited guest Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat spokesman for health and social care (North Shropshire), said that among the reasons for poor GP access are the additional costs of running a rural practice. She told Ferrari that her party would like to establish a fund to reopen closed surgeries.

In 2023, the Liberal Democrats released research stating that the four-week waiting time to see a GP was three times higher in some rural areas than urban ones.

She also raised her concerns about the current GP contract in England. She said: “[GP services] are in crisis and we’d like to see the Government come up with a plan to address that crisis.”