Hello everyone,
After a big week with ministerial meetings and the APPG last week, this week has been more about sifting through notes and turning words into actions that we can report against.
Firstly, there was a recap, with potential actions noted, written after the meeting detailing points made and actions requested. This recap was sent to Minister Dalton’s Private Secretary last week.
We are just finishing up the meeting minutes which will then go to Dame Siobhain McDonagh for review before being posted on our website.
We have also drafted a letter from Siobhain to the Minister expressing thanks and the desire to move things forward.
As well as being a way to build relationships, it also helps us to ask questions and seek clarification on issues such as the number and type of UK brain tumour trials currently recruiting.
We will also be seeking clarity on some other issues raised during the APPG such as the makeup of the boards judging funding applications, including the one currently being developed by the brain tumour consortium. Also, there are questions which were raised last week about the rejection process and if there are any opportunities to revisit unsuccessful applications.
Another key piece of work is to understand how many applications for funding are being received, how many are successful and if the strike rate in brain tumours is mirrored in other site-specific cancer funding applications.
We have also offered support to Parliamentarians wishing to chase up personal areas of concern such as the perceived tardiness of the decision-making process of the regulatory authorities.
Additionally, we will follow up on any MPs’ questions on brain tumours that are awaiting a response from Ministers and will continue to ensure that all brain tumours will be included in the Cancer Plan as stated by Minister Dalton at last week’s APPGBT meeting.
In the world of campaigning, every meeting should deliver actions and these actions then deliver new intelligence, new asks and new ways to push for the progress we so desperately need.
Talking of progress, in our campaigning updates we like to bring you latest news from the brain tumour world. Here are three stories that could have far reaching consequences for our community.
Firstly there is news from Nottingham that a "new genetic test could diagnose brain tumours in as little as two hours". Also announced recently is that "fourteen new Tessa Jowell Centres of Excellence have been recognised for brain tumour care".
Encouragingly, in a week that has celebrated International Clinical Trials Day 2025 comes news of a £1 billion BioNTech investment that sets the way for jobs, growth and breakthroughs.
As Parliament is in Whitsun recess, our campaigning updates are having a short break.
You won’t hear from us next week, but we will be back on Friday 6th June.
Wishing you all a peaceful time until then.
Karen, Hugh and Thomas
