MPs across the parties in the U.K. came together today to argue the case for scheduling a debate about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) in the main chamber of the House of Commons. Watch the video below.
Carol Monaghan MP joined five other MPs on June 5th to argue the merits of holding a debate on ME in the House of Commons in her application before the Backbench Business Committee. The MPs spoke about the need for greater biomedical research, medical education and public awareness for ME.
We will likely hear whether or not the application was successful by the end of the week – stay tuned. There’s also the possibility that the committee might grant a 90-minute Westminster Hall debate on ME, instead, depending on what other parliamentary business arises.
Supporting MPs include:
Nicky Morgan MP (Cons)
Stephen Pound (Lab)
Alex Chalk (Cons)
Ben Lake (Plaid)
Kerry McCarthy (Lab)
Watch the MPs argue for the debate on ME before the Backbench Business Committee:
Monaghan led the parliamentary debate on the PACE trial last February in which the Minister acknowledged a wider debate would be warranted.
If you haven’t contacted your MP about supporting the Early Day Motion for ME, now is the chance. Encouraging your MP to sign EDM 1247, not only gives weight to an application for a debate but helps us to know where our supportive MP’s are. The EDM currently has 111 signatures (as of publishing); it will likely attract press attention if it achieves more than 150 signatures.
We need your help to keep the momentum going. Help us hire a full-time, on-the-ground #MEAction team member in the UK to support more work like this by donating to our UK crowdfunding campaign today.