A CUMBRIAN MP has criticised announcements made in the recent Budget saying his constituency's needs have been met with a "deafening silence."

Jamie Reed, MP for Copeland, has hit out at government plans outlined in the Budget, which showed a distinct lack of support for west Cumbria's healthcare services, including Millom Hospital. 

Mr Reed addressed parliament in a scathing attack on Monday declaring that Cumbria had been "left out and let down" by this year's Budget.

He said: "This Budget offers no help for our effort to recruit more health professionals, to finish the redevelopment of West Cumberland hospital, and to finally achieve the ambitions of everyone in Millom for our local hospital services."

Ahead of last week's Budget, Mr Reed wrote to the Chancellor setting out the case for investment into the district's key services, including the NHS. 

He wrote: "The future of West Cumbria is bright. Our best days are ahead of us.

"To achieve our potential, we require the help of government. The forthcoming budget gives you the opportunity to provide this help."

Mr Reed responded by slamming the efforts of the government and condemned the Budget as being "unfair and cynical" and said it is "beyond doubt that the Chancellor wants to balance the books on the back of the most vulnerable and the least well off."

Frustrated by the potential of Millom's health system and the lack of government support its receives, Mr Reed condemned the government's efforts and called for more support to help it reach this potential. 

He said: “By leaving Cumbria out of his budget, he has let us down. Our local NHS needs serious investment.

“The people of Millom have shown what can be achieved when the NHS comes together with the local community to develop new models of care. 

"The government should ensure that the NHS in Millom and throughout Cumbria has the resources it needs."