Maldon MP, Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale, spoke to the house during Prime Minister's Questions today (May 22), asking the Prime Minister to order the ICB to withdraw proposals to close St Peter's Hospital.

In a question to Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, Sir John said: "...The Mid and South Essex ICB is now proposing to close the existing St Peter's Hospital, without any replacement, leaving my constituents, and those of my Rt Hon. Friend for Witham, having to travel up to 30 miles for some treatments.

"Will my Rt Hon. Friend (PM) ask ministers to tell the ICB to withdraw this proposal, and commission an independent assessment of how best to provide quality, local health services that my constituents deserve?"

In response to this, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "Can I commend my Rt Hon. Friend for his commitment to his constituents, and I know that he, and his Rt Hon. Friend for Witham, met both Minister's of State for Health and Secondary Care, and the Minister for Social Care recently to discuss this.

"I understand that the ICB extended their consultation by three weeks to ensure that more consideration could be given and more voices could be heard, but I will ensure that the relevant minister keeps my Rt Hon. Friend updated on the progress of this."

This exchange comes just over a month after the public consultation on future health services in Essex closed, with over 5000 residents responding.