West Cornwall MP Derek Thomas led a debate in Parliament on the issue of loneliness in elderly and vulnerable people.

The conversation comes half a decade after the government's first strategy to combat it, which highlighted its impact on health and mortality, likened to that of smoking and obesity.

In his speech on December 6, Mr Thomas noted that elderly and vulnerable people proved particularly susceptible to loneliness due to their limited presence online.

He argued for governmental initiatives to ensure all services are accessible to those without internet.

Mr Thomas said: "As we race towards a potentially digital-only platform, it is our job, and the Government’s job, to pause and ask who will miss out or be left behind, and to ensure that that does not happen.

"As I have said, my main concern is those whose loneliness and isolation can be completely avoided if we get this right."

Falmouth Packet: In his speech on December 6, Mr Thomas noted that elderly and vulnerable people proved particularly

He urged ministers to learn from the successful campaign against the closure of ticket offices, demonstrating the importance of offline accessibility.

He expressed: "I want the Department for Transport’s example to be followed by all Departments, and I ask the Minister to take a lead on that.

"We have protected elderly people who cannot navigate the internet but want to navigate a journey to see friends or relatives; now we need to help them to navigate their day-to-day lives."

Mr Thomas reflected on the debate: "I was pleased to be able to bring this debate, especially at this time of year.

"Christmas can feel more lonely than any other time of the year for those without friends and family nearby.

"We know that loneliness is as big a risk to health as smoking, and I wanted to urge the Government to take action on loneliness with as much vigour as Rishi Sunak is taking on smoking."