Southport MP Patrick Hurley has urged the Government to scrap VAT on defibrillators as he prepares to take part in the annual Defib Dash in Southport this month.
The MP spoke in a Defibrillators debate in the House of Commons as he hailed the work done by the Southport Saviours, which organises the Defib Dash.
The 25k event on Sunday, 21st September 2025 allows participants to walk, bike or run the course, stopping at defibrillator sites to raise awareness of their locations.
We will have option points to join & walk part of the route.
You can support Patrick Hurley’s fundraising here: Patrick Hurley is fundraising for The Southport Saviours Foundation
Speaking in Parliament, Patrick Hurley said: “First, I add my voice to those calling for VAT to be removed from defibs. That appears to be an easy win for the Government at the coming Budget.
“Secondly, a lot of Members have spoken about voluntary groups and charities in their constituencies that do good work. The Southport Saviours charity in my constituency does sterling work to raise funds and awareness and to put defibrillators into parks and on to the streets.
“The charity organises the annual Defib Dash fundraising run, which takes place later this month and which I have, perhaps in an ill-advised moment, signed up for.
“Will my hon. Friend commend charities across the country and give her support for the work they do?
Ashley Dalton The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care replied: “A cardiac arrest can be an incredibly frightening experience for a person and their loved ones.
“Rapid access to defibrillators can be the difference between life and death. Early defibrillation within three to five minutes of collapse can increase a person’s chances of survival by as much as 50% to 70%.
“Thanks to data collected by the British Heart Foundation, we know that AEDs are only used around one in 10 times where they could have saved a life.
“I commend the hard work of London Hearts, AED Donate and the Community Heartbeat Trust and other organisations raised today. Forgive me if I miss some of them: Hearts for Herts, Lucky2Bhere, Stargate & Crookhill Community Centre, Lechlade Lions, Friends of Frome Hospital, the Daniel Berg Foundation, Southport Saviours, the Paul Alan Project, Evanton Residents’ Association and Lauren’s campaign. There are many more organisations and projects working hard to improve access to AEDs for all.
“There are now more than 110,000 AEDs across the UK registered on the Circuit, the independent AED database backed by the NHS. The Circuit continues to see a regular increase in the number of defibs registered. More than 30,000 have been added in the past two years alone and we look forward to more.
“Many hon. Members who spoke today raised the issue of VAT on devices and parts. I do not want the provision of defibrillators in communities to be a matter of cost — I will discuss that with Treasury colleagues. Decisions on VAT are a matter for the Chancellor.
“I will make sure that Treasury colleagues are aware of the issues raised in this debate today. The Government will continue to keep the matter under review.”
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