Hello everyone,
With so much happening on the Brain Tumour Research campaigning landscape it can be difficult to stay informed about everything that we are doing on behalf of the brain tumour community across the UK.
The Friday campaigning update is a great way to keep in touch, but you can also find out about our most recent lobbying activities across many different platforms:
- On our website: Check out our Latest News page where we share campaigning stories and updates, such as this story about how we have supported parents to urge MPs to prioritise brain tumours as a cancer of unmet need
- On our Research and Campaigning blog: You can find all of our previous weekly campaigning updates at the click of a button
- On social media: Keep an eye on the Charity’s LinkedIn page and you can follow the team’s individual pages for more behind-the-scenes updates on our work – if you are more active on other social media platforms, you can find Brain Tumour Research on Facebook and Instagram too
- In your email inbox: Our Weekly Newsletter updates each Friday share news, supporter stories and how your fundraising and campaigning support is making an impact – if you’re not already signed up, you can subscribe here
This Monday 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. Read more here. Off the back of the debate, we have written to the Minister to seek more clarity on comments made about fresh frozen tissue storage capacity - an important infrastructure requirement to enable Whole Genome Sequencing and access to emerging therapies.
On Wednesday the campaigning team returned to Scotland to reconvene the Cross-Party Group on Brain Tumours in the Scottish Parliament and we're excited to see Finlay Carson MSP as the new Convener of the Group.
Brain Tumour Research has taken on the role of Secretariat for The Scottish Cancer Coalition, supporting the coalition’s work to reduce disparities in cancer care, promote earlier diagnosis and ensure that patients across Scotland have equitable access to high-quality, consistent care.
The coalition comprises 32 charities which provide services to cancer patients and their families in Scotland, bringing together a wealth of expertise across a range of cancer types. Uniting charities and stakeholders, it strengthens advocacy efforts and drives systemic improvements in cancer services and outcomes. As the only organisation of its kind in Scotland, it also brings a powerful voice to collaboration with ministers, MSPs, the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland. Read more here.
Ian Duncan Smith MP with campaigner Tina Smith
As well as being in Scotland with Katherine, this week Jana has also been in Wales and Hugh spent two days in Westminster including joining a reception held by our friends at Pancreatic Cancer UK – there are many similarities between our causes and of course we worked collaboratively to assist Scott Arthur get his Rare Cancers Bill enacted.
In our next update, we will bring news of more MP meetings, an exciting new collaboration for Brain Tumour Research and the follow ups required after an eventful week to make sure public political intentions are delivered as impactful policy directions.
So, see you all next Friday – wishing you a peaceful time until then.
Karen, Hugh, Katherine and Jana.
