Hi Drumbeat
I'm sorry to say that there is no provision for telephony services with VM's Essential broadband. Info below is copy pasted from https://www.virginmedia.com/legal/essential-broadband
If you currently receive TV or landline services from us, these services will be terminated if and when you transfer to an Essential broadband plan. You’ll need to ensure you have an alternative method of making calls, such as a mobile. If you rely on your landline for emergency calls, telehealth alarms or care devices (or other services that are supported by your landline) an Essential broadband plan may not be right for you at this time.
You should dial 150 from your VM landline and select option 4 so you can have a chat with retentions (thinking of leaving) It's best to call around 8am when lines first open and are least busy. You may be able to negotiate a price for broadband and phone that's affordable to you. (They are generally based in the UK, and have a greater degree of knowledge and flexibility, along with a larger range of discounts than the front line agents)
If that doesn't work then check with other suppliers as some of them do offer landline and broadband services
See /moneysavingexpert.com/compare-broadband-deals/broadband-social-tariffs/