Our Chief Executive Sue Farrington Smith MBE reflects on today’s events in the House of Lords following Lord Hunt’s brain tumour research funding question:
“Today represents another milestone in our quest to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million a year.
“Peer after peer raised the issue of underfunding and the need for more research. Lord Bethell shared the latest figures that more than £9 million of £40 million promised has now been allocated, after three years this, at best, means just 25% of monies put aside for vital brain tumour research has been allocated.
“We look forward to leading the work as part of the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission to facilitate better, and more successful access to the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funding for those who hold the keys to unlock the uniquely complex puzzle brain tumours pose. We are also encouraged that today Lord Bethell confirmed that the money remaining unallocated from the £40 million ‘isn’t going anywhere’ and indeed will be ‘allocated as soon as possible’.
“Today has been another key day in the journey we are taking together, but we cannot slow down because brain tumour patients do not have the luxury of time. We need more questions, more political engagement, more pressure on those who can release the money that will give us the parity of research funding so desperately needed.
“I am particularly encouraged that the ‘powers that be’ are now recognising that we also need a significant increase in the national investment in discovery science by UK Governments, larger cancer charities and dedicated brain tumour charities such as ours and that will be our focus in 2021.
“We are proud to have been a significant influencer in today’s debate, but it is the next step that is now our priority.
“Please sign and share our #braintumourpetition, sign up to campaign with us and above all help us to get our voice heard.”
We will share links to Hansard details and a video recording of proceedings when they become available.
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