"Brown must keep prescription charge promise" - ALCOCK

11.28.00pm GMT Wed 16th Dec 2009

Local Shadow Liberal Democrat MP for Oldham West & Royton including Chadderton, Mark Alcock is urging Gordon Brown to keep the promise he made over a year ago to abolish prescription charges for people with long-term conditions in England.

Mark has supported the 'Prescription Promise' campaign by signing the petition, and is calling on Ministers to publish their review of prescription charges as soon as possible and set a clear timetable for the implementation of Gordon Brown's promise.

The 'Prescription Promise' campaign is led by a coalition of twenty health charities, who represent the voices of millions of people with long-term conditions.

Members of the public who would like to sign the 'Prescription Promise' campaign's petition can do so at prescription promise.org

Commenting, Mark said:

'I'm extremely concerned about the number of people with long-term conditions in Oldham West & Royton who may be choosing to go without vital medicines as a result of the recession and the rising costs of fuel and other bills.

'Gordon Brown was right to promise free prescriptions for people with long-term conditions, but he must now follow through and implement this promise as soon as possible'