Dr Neil Hudson MP delivers important intervention on the link between rural isolation and access to local services in a debate on the sustainability of rural postal services.
Representing the largest rural constituency in England, Dr Hudson drew from his work on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee which produced a report on Rural Mental Health.
One of the key findings was the link between rural isolation and associated mental health issues with a lack of access to local services.
As such, Dr Hudson is a strong campaigner for local and public services. For instance in recent months he has stood up for local grass roots sports teams, worked with Cumbria Health on Call to keep rural GP services open and visited small rural schools to teach youngsters about our democracy.
Speaking afterwards, Dr Neil Hudson MP, said:
"I'm working hard to encourage a thriving rural economy with local services accessible to everyone no matter their postcode. Integral to this vision are post offices, banking services, transport links, social hubs like pubs or village halls and a host of other amenities for our countryside communities.
"One of the biggest challenges facing remote areas is rural isolation and as found in our EFRA Parliamentary Inquiry that I instigated, this can have negative impacts on mental wellbeing. We must find ways to deliver local services effectively to rural populations to stave off rural isolation and empower people to live happy and connected lives. I will continue to champion these vital rural services in Parliament."
In Parliament, Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
“This year, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee produced a report on rural mental health, and pivotal to that was rural isolation, with people needing access to vital services, including postal services and banks.
“Does the Hon. Gentleman agree that it is beholden on both central and local government to work with communities to protect and uphold those services for the benefit of rural constituents?”
