On Monday 15th June 2026, MPs gathered to debate Brain Cancer Justice’s petition in a Westminster Hall debate calling for urgent improvements in brain cancer research, treatment, and patient care. Backed by more than 109,000 signatures, the discussion highlighted both the devastating reality of brain tumours and the urgent need for change.
Brain Tumour Research met with MPs across the House in advance of the debate, and produced briefings, and suggested interventions to support the shared work from the brain tumour community.
Responding to the debate on behalf of the Government, Minister Hodgson said: "Today, I want to particularly recognise the courage of those families whose stories have been shared, often while living through the most unimaginable grief, so that others might one day have a better chance. I also want to pay tribute to the remarkable charities, researchers, clinicians and campaigners who have worked tirelessly to keep this issue on the national agenda: organisations such as the Brain Tumour Charity, Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission, Brain Tumour Research, Cancer Research UK and countless others that have not only supported patients and families, but have driven forward research, awareness and innovation."
Below are the key takeaways from the debate. You can read the full transcript here.
Signs of Progress
There were some positive developments highlighted:
- A national brain tumour research consortium bringing together 48 organisations
- New policy focus through the Rare Cancers Act 2026
- Government commitment to improving trial access and survival rates through the National Cancer Plan
Challenges facing the brain tumour community
MPs from across parties agreed that the system is not working as it should. Five key issues raised included:
1. Underfunding
Whilst more than £40 million has been allocated to research into brain tumours since it was pledged in 2018, the majority of that has been in the last year and so the disease has been chronically underfunded. Charities still provide most of the funding, leaving government contribution comparatively low.
2. Limited Treatment Options
Treatments for aggressive brain tumours have barely changed in decades, relying heavily on surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy (often prolonging life rather than curing the disease).
3. Poor Access to Clinical Trials
Access to clinical trials in the UK remains poor for brain tumour patients. Fewer than 40% of patients are informed about trials, and only around 12% participate. What’s more, there are just 15 active trials for brain tumour patients in the UK as of 2026, forcing many families to search abroad or crowdfund for experimental treatments.
4. Workforce and Infrastructure Gaps
The NHS faces significant shortages. There are only 40 neuro-oncologists nationwide and a 30% shortage of radiologists. Many patients lack access to specialist nurses. These gaps limit both care and research capacity.
5. A “Postcode Lottery” in Care
Access to diagnosis, trials, and advanced treatments varies widely depending on location. Key services like whole genome sequencing and tumour tissue storage are not consistently available.
Calls were made to:
- Raise government investment significantly
- Ringfence funding specifically for research into brain tumours
- Ensure promised funding is fully delivered
Dr Karen Noble, Director of Research and Policy, said: “We remain committed to working with our supporters and across the political landscape to change the story for brain tumour patients. Our dedicated Public Affairs team identifies exactly when and where to intervene, and how to influence on behalf of the brain tumour community.
"We are doing this by building strong relationships with MPs from all parties and meeting regularly with Westminster policy stakeholders. We brief MPs and think tanks, Minsters and their teams to ensure they are aware of the facts and the actions needed to drive progress for patients. In doing so, we ensure brain tumours are at the forefront of the minds who make the decisions.”
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