PRIME Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been pressed by West Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour on what the Government can do to improve the lives of people suffering with long-term pain.

Mrs Gilmour raised the issue during the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) session in the House of Commons.

She told Sir Keir of the case of one of her elderly constituents who had been left in ‘excruciating, uncontrolled pain’ after a series of medical interventions, when opioids which had been enhancing her life were withdrawn, so much so that the woman had thoughts of suicide.

Mrs Gilmour asked: “Can the Prime Minister shed light on what plans His Majesty’s Government have to help people manage pain in order to live a happier and more comfortable life?”

Sir Keir said: “I thank the Honourable Lady for raising this awful case.

“We are putting in further protection and support, but I will take this up.

“It is important for her to discuss this with the relevant Minister, because the case that she has referred to sounds appalling.”

Following PMQs, Mrs Gilmour wrote to Care Minister Stephen Kinnock to arrange a date on which to meet.

Mrs Gilmour said: “I used my question to the Prime Minister to highlight the case of a suffering constituent and to ask how the Government plans to improve the lives of those suffering with long-term pain.

“Whenever I have had the opportunity to question the Prime Minister directly, I have raised constituent cases to ensure that people in our constituency receive the support they need.

“I now look forward to meeting with the Minister for Care to work on this specific case, as well as discussing the Government’s wider strategy to improve the lives of people in Tiverton and Minehead and across the UK.”