MP raises rising suicide figures in Cumbria with ministers

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 05:59 · Archive

Suicide deaths in Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness have increased, prompting an MP to demand action in Parliament.

New Office for National Statistics data has revealed rising suicide deaths in two Cumbrian council areas. In 2025, Cumberland recorded 44 deaths by suicide, up from 40 the previous year—a 10 per cent increase. Westmorland and Furness saw numbers rise from 26 deaths in 2024 to 31 in 2025, representing a 19.2 per cent increase.

The figures mark a continued upward trend compared with pre-Covid levels. Previous ONS data shows Cumberland recorded 51 suicide deaths in 2022, the highest figure in recent years, and 46 in 2023.

Markus Campbell-Savours, Member of Parliament for Penrith and Solway, raised the matter in the House of Commons on Tuesday. He called for action, stating: 'For those considering suicide, the message must be, there's always another way, but with new ONS data showing the rate of suicide in Cumberland has increased yet again, would ministers meet with me and my Cumbrian colleagues to ensure our health system is providing support to all when they need it.'

Minister for Social Care and Mental Health Alison McGovern responded positively to the plea. She said: 'I'd like to thank my friend for that important question on such an important issue, I'll of course meet.' She noted that multiple debates on the issue in Parliament demonstrated how seriously members across the house regard suicide prevention.

How it is being reported

• 'I demand action' - Calls to address increase in suicide data heard in ParliamentCumbrians have called for action on rising suicide figures in Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness, an MP raised the issue in Parliament.Whitehaven News · 23 Oct, 05:00
• 'I demand action' - Calls to address increase in suicide data heard in ParliamentCumbrians have called for action on rising suicide figures in Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness, an MP raised the issue in Parliament.News & Star · 23 Oct, 05:00
• 'I demand action' - Calls to address increase in suicide data heard in ParliamentCumbrians have called for action on rising suicide figures in Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness, an MP raised the issue in Parliament.NW Evening Mail · 23 Oct, 05:00
• 'I demand action' - Calls to address increase in suicide data heard in ParliamentCumbrians have called for action on rising suicide figures in Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness, an MP raised the issue in Parliament.Westmorland Gazette · 23 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Markus Campbell-Savours · Alison McGovern · Cumberland · Westmorland and Furness · Office for National Statistics

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