Meon Valley MP Flick Drummond is supporting calls for a national recovery plan to help people suffering from diabetes following the pandemic.

Figures show nearly five million in the UK live with diabetes and the charity is calling on health secretary Sajid Javid to consider the national recovery plan for routine care.

Mrs Drummond said: “This event made it clear the pandemic has been a real challenge for people with diabetes and that the NHS and the government needs to work together to ensure people are getting routine treatment they need.

“The government has earmarked billions in extra NHS funding to cut waiting times post-Covid but the charity feels more focus is needed on diabetes within that funding and the strategy to help.

“I am happy to support and would urge the Department of Health and Social Care to consider the recovery plan.”

Diabetes UK Chief Executive, Chris Askew OBE added: “Diabetes is serious, and the fact many people living with the condition have still not been seen by their healthcare teams during the pandemic is a major concern.