WINCHESTER'S new MP asked his first question in the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves laid out the state of the UK's finances. 

Danny Chambers called on the Chancellor to protect local GP and dentistry services.

After congratulating Caroline Nokes, Conservative MP for neighbouring Romsey and Southampton North, on her recent election to deputy speaker Dr Chambers said being able to secure an initial GP, dentist, or mental health appointment, is vitally important for preventing illnesses from worsening to the point where A&E is needed. 

The MP said that at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital people are in A&E because they couldn't get their teeth checked by a dentist, or because they couldn't see a GP about a minor ailment.

He added: “My work as a veterinary surgeon and on public health programmes around the world has taught me it's always more cost effective to keep people healthy than treat them when they get sick.

“Twenty per cent of people at Winchester A&E are there because they cannot get a GP appointment, and 30 per cent of people are there because they cannot get mental health appointments.

“Primary care should not be viewed as a cost to be cut, but an investment that will make the NHS more efficient, which is better for patients and better for the taxpayer.”