Cross-party group could press the case for new hospital

Keighley Conservative MP Robbie Moore has written to Skipton and Ripon Tory Commons colleague Julian Smith, and Labour MPs Anna Dixon (Shipley) and Jonathan Hinder (Pendle and Clitheroe), proposing they join forces over the issue.

He hopes an initial meeting could take place next month when Parliament resumes following the summer recess.

It was announced in May last year that Airedale Hospital, built more than half a century ago, had secured a place on the New Hospital Programme.

The Steeton hospital was largely constructed using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, which was found to have a lifespan of 30 years, and is crumbling.

But Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said funding for the replacement hospital had never been put in place and a review of schemes is needed, with a "thorough, realistic and costed timetable for delivery".

Mr Moore says: "It is essential that MPs in our region speak with one voice about the urgent need for the full rebuild of Airedale Hospital by 2030. A cross-party coalition in Parliament would provide a strong voice from both sides of the Commons in the months ahead."