As MPs drift away from the Westminster for the Summer recess it seems an appropriate time to review the past campaigning year – and what a year it’s been.
It seems an age ago that Thomas was attending the Party conferences and grabbing time with, then, Secretary of State for Health Stephen Barclay. He'll be off again this Autumn, beginning in Brighton on 14th September for the Lib Dem conference.
One of the most memorable events in the past 12 months was the launch of our 'Time to Do Things Differently' manifesto at Westminster in May, where we were joined by, then, Health Minister Andrew Stephenson.
We enjoyed good ministerial engagement both at the event and at separate meetings with past ministers like Will Quince, George Freeman and Edward Argar.
We sprung into action for the General Election plus the momentum and impact of our campaigning was illustrated by the increased commitment from the NIHR to deploy the full £40 million made available in 2018.
This year we have been talking to increasing numbers of you, our Brain Tumour Research campaigners, with this update reaching nearly 1,500 people every week and we have a campaigner in 550 (85%) of UK constituencies.
More than 30 written brain tumour themed questions were asked of Parliamentarians based on activity by campaigners (basically because we asked our MPs to ask them).
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours (APPGBT) met three times (plus an AGM) and explored the worlds of neurosurgery, focused ultrasound and getting UK market access for drugs such as a Vorasidenib. It also had to adapt to new rules which included having 20 official members of the group. There is an even bigger change to come as we reregister following the General Election. Some of our keenest and most valued supporters were unsuccessful in their efforts to be re elected. To aid us in recruiting a new cohort of members for the group we have sent a document celebrating the recent work of the APPGBT to each and every MP with a cover note introducing ourselves.
The highlights of our work in the devolved nations were the formation of a Brain Tumour Cross Party Group (CPG) in Scotland (where, as with the APPG, we will provide the secretariat) plus a brain tumour debate and a huge Holyrood Wear a Hat Day photocall.
We've been working hard to raise awareness and make friends in the Senedd at events such as one celebrating the medical research being undertaken in Wales plus building relationships in Northern Ireland now that Stormont is back in business.
Looking forward (and these are the areas that we will be planning around over the summer) our priorities will be:
- Engaging with a new Government with new personnel and with 335 new MPs (over half of the House are 'newbies')
- Pushing through the recommendations of our manifesto
- An inquiry into the unique socio-economic cost of brain tumours to support the need for greater research funding and identify the financial support required for patients and their carers
- Following up on the Pathway to a Cure inquiry recommendations and driving for their implementation thus delivering more research funding, better access for adult and paediatric clinical trials and an overall pathway to improved options and outcomes for UK brain tumour patients
- The development of a roadmap for full deployment of the £40 million made available in 2018
That's the review and preview this week.
There won't be an update now until Friday 6th September.
Wishing you all a peaceful time until then.
Hugh and Thomas