An Oxfordshire MP has voted in favour of the Liberal Democrats’ motions to fix the dual crises of health and care. 

Calum Miller, Liberal Democrat MP for Bicester and Woodstock, voted on the Liberal Democrats’ first Opposition Day since 2009 following 'shocking' new statistics commissioned by the Lib Dems.

The statistics revealed that one in four Brits have been unable to work because they can’t get an NHS appointment.

The poll indicated that four per cent of the population have been unable to book a GP or dentist appointment.

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The first Liberal Democrat proposal focused on the Carer’s Allowance repayments scandal, calling on the government to write off existing overpayments and conduct a full review of support for unpaid carers.

The second motion urged ministers to tackle the NHS crisis by improving access to GPs, NHS dentists and community pharmacists.

Labour MPs voted against the motions.

Mr Miller expressed his regret that the bill had faced opposition, and pledged his continued dedication to putting health and care top of the parliamentary priority list.  

Calum Miller and Lib Dems following the election (Image: Charlotte Coles, Newsquest) Commenting on the vote, Mr Miller said: “I was proud to vote in favour of these essential proposals. The carers allowance scandal is a national disgrace. 

"Devoted family members who care for their relatives are being pursued by the government for repayment of their full allowance, even when they went a few pence over the threshold. 

“The state of community healthcare in Bicester, Kidlington, Woodstock and the surrounding villages can be dire.

"When I speak to residents of all ages in our area, I hear time and time again that people can’t get an NHS appointment when they so desperately need it.

"That’s why I threw my support behind these measures - voting to rescue our GPs, NHS dentists, community pharmacists and of course our carers."

The MP said he was 'disappointed' to see the government oppose the motions.

"Our health and care services need dignity and capability now more than ever - especially after the squeeze on winter fuel payments that will drive NHS and care demand sky-high," he said. 

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“I have written to Karin Smyth MP, the minister responsible for secondary healthcare, to highlight some examples of constituents who are facing scandalously long waits for mental health services for their children."

In the letter he drew attention to 'serious concerns' about access to mental health services for his constituents, including an 11-year-old boy who has spent 'more than half his life' on the waiting list for a CAHMS assessment. 

"I will continue to campaign on these issues until mental health provision is on an equal footing with physical health," he added. 

“I am urging the government to follow the Liberal Democrats’ example and make health and social care their top priority.

"The forthcoming budget will show whether that is, indeed, the case.”