Today, Andrew Western participated in his first Westminster Hall debate. He spoken on behalf of a constituent, named Penny, about the impact that cystic fibrosis is having on the cost of living.

Cystic fibrosis is a degenerative, life-shortening disease. However adults with cystic fibrosis are not eligible for free prescriptions, or disability living allowance.

Andrew spoke in Westminster Hall, after meeting Penny, who lives in Flixton. Penny’s daughter, Eva, is 15 and cystic fibrosis affects all of her organs.

Andrew Western said: “For Penny and Eva, the problem with the current system of support is that cystic fibrosis is seen as an illness, not a disability. Adults with cystic fibrosis are not eligible for free prescriptions, because that list was last reviewed in 1968, when those with cystic fibrosis were not expected to live to adulthood. The need for a review is clear: when we consider that Eva was born with cystic fibrosis and is currently taking around seven different medications a day, we can see what an injustice that is.

“However, Penny’s biggest concern is that when Eva turns 16 in June, she will no longer be eligible for disability living allowance for Eva, who will have to claim PIP… That can be a challenging process for those with cystic fibrosis, because PIP is assessed on difficulties doing daily tasks and on mobility and does not necessarily reflect the struggles of people with illnesses such as Eva’s.

“In many ways, she is quite unlikely to be eligible for PIP, even though the things for which Penny was given DLA still need doing and funding. Penny is scared that, without financial support as an adult, Eva will simply decide she is unable to do those things – things like attending hospital, buying the extra food she needs or keeping herself warm and clean. The risks to her health are obvious.

“Eva is currently in school year 11. Because she is constantly fatigued and trying to battle chest infections, and also suffers from anxieties related to living with a medical condition that will shorten her life, she has only been able to physically attend school for 50% of this school year and the previous year. That has an impact on her ability to get good qualifications and secure a good, well-paid job in future.

“If young people such as Eva were routinely financially supported with PIP, it would take some pressure away from them so that they could focus on doing what they can manage to do, and it would help them to meet their costs of living.”

Helen Whately, the Minister of State for the Department of Health and Social Care, responded. She said: “He (Andrew Western) spoke about Eva… and about how she has missed a lot of school and the challenges and worries that brings – for instance, in respect of what her life will be like after school and what employment opportunities she will have. In particular, he brought into the conversation the issue of the anxiety that adults and especially young people with cystic fibrosis experience, as well as the broader mental health impact. Those are really important issues for us to discuss.”

This was the first time that Andrew had spoken in a Westminster Hall debate.

Andrew said: “Westminster Hall is the second chamber for members of the House of Commons and has a much more relaxed and less confrontational feel than the main chamber.

“It was a slightly unusual experience as it was the first time I’ve spoken in a debate where you can be intervened on, but I quite enjoyed it in the end and it was great practice both in intervening and being intervened upon, as well as a chance to raise an important issue on behalf of a constituent.”