IW West MP, Richard Quigley, has led a Westminster Hall debate calling for the introduction of Zoe’s Law – a proposed change that would require histological testing of all moles removed for cosmetic reasons, helping to detect melanoma and other skin cancers earlier.

The campaign follows the death of Zoe Panayi, a 26-year-old mother from the Isle of Wight, who died just 55 days after being diagnosed with melanoma. Zoe had raised concerns about a mole with her GP twice but was reassured it was harmless. She later opted for private cosmetic removal, where the mole was not tested – standard practice in the sector – meaning her cancer went undetected until it was too late.

During the debate, Richard paid tribute to Zoe’s life and her impact on the community: “Zoe was a devoted mother, a loyal friend, and a young woman full of promise. She volunteered as a carer and trained to become a radiologist. That’s what makes her story so heart-breaking.”

He urged the Department of Health and Social Care to introduce a ‘Zoe Check’ – a safeguard to ensure private beauty clinics follow the same rigorous standards as the NHS.

Richard concluded: “Zoe did everything right – she sought help, she trusted the system – and yet the safeguards failed her. Zoe’s Law is not about blame – it’s about prevention.”