I rise to present a petition on behalf of my constituents in Bradford South, although I know that this issue is recognised right across the country. I have received 280 letters from constituents on this subject, reflecting the strength of feeling across Bradford, and in particular among those who are served by their local pharmacy in the area of Wyke. The petition reflects concerns across Bradford that the Government have stripped proper funding for pharmacies to act as community access points for NHS support and face-to-face healthcare support. The petitioners therefore request that

“the House of Commons urge the Government to support pharmacies as they seek to recover from the pandemic, ensuring that they can continue to provide a high standard of care to patients within the community.”

Following is the full text of the petition:

[The petition of residents of the United Kingdom,

Declares that the issue of the underfunding of local pharmacies is threatening their ability to continue to serve communities and areas such as Bradford South; notes that pharmacies are vital as points of access for face-to-face healthcare advice and NHS support; and further declares that access to pharmacies is vital for preventing excess pressure on GPs and hospitals across the country.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to support pharmacies as they seek to recover from the pandemic, ensuring that they can continue to provide a high standard of care to patients within the community.

And the petitioners remain, etc.]

[P002850]