Rishi Sunak’s surprise appearance at PMQs (Prime Minister’s Questions) opened with a remark which left MPs in stitches.
The former prime minister was called upon by Speaker Lindsay Hoyle to ask Keir Starmer a question.
As he stood up, a fellow MP could be heard shouting “we want you back” in a moment which sparked a fit of laughter from some of the elected officials present.
Sunak appeared nonplussed after the remark as he proceeded to speak about introducing a national screening programme for prostate cancer.
Rishi Sunak's appearance surprised many
PARLIAMENT
He told MPs: “Prostate cancer is now our country’s most common cancer and yet there is no national screening programme.
“We made progress towards this in government and yet there is more to do, which is why I am delighted to have joined Prostate Cancer Research, the charity, as an ambassador.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The former PM spoke about his new role as a prostate cancer charity ambassador
GB NEWS
“I am grateful to the Health Secretary [Wes Streeting] for his engagement so far and could I ask the prime minister to ensure we do have a targeted national screening programme for the most at risk groups of prostate cancer.
“We could not only save the NHS money, make progress towards the government’s early diagnosis targets, we would ultimately save thousands of lives.”
Starmer responded: “Can I think him for raising this and can I think him for using his authority and reputation to support this vital cause which will make a material difference and I look forward to working with him on it.
“We do share a commitment to detecting prostate cancer earlier and treating it fast. We must do that.
Keir Starmer said his Government is taking action on cancer
GB NEWS
“Our national cancer plan will improve the way we treat cancer right across the country and I will make sure he is fully informed of the steps we are taking and we will work with him.”
In his new position, Sunak will support the charity's campaign to introduce a national screening programme for men at high risk of the disease.
The former Conservative leader aims to "support the charity's mission to revolutionise diagnosis and treatment" of what has become the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males across the UK.
His appointment comes as the charity pushes for greater awareness and earlier detection of the disease.
Last week, Mr Sunak visited the laboratories of British cancer diagnostics company Oxford BioDynamics.
During his visit, he met with workers developing a revolutionary new blood test for prostate cancer detection.
The EpiSwitch PSE test has shown remarkable results, with the ability to detect prostate cancer with 94 per cent accuracy.
This represents what the charity has called a "significant improvement" on the most commonly used prostate-specific antigen test currently available.
The innovative British technology could transform how prostate cancer is diagnosed, potentially saving countless lives through earlier detection.
