Coatbridge and Bellshill MP Frank McNally has escalated his campaign for people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) by formally presenting a petition to Parliament that demands a new UK-wide National Strategy for MND. The petition, lodged in partnership with the Mark Sommerville Foundation, urges the government to establish a national strategy led by clinicians, researchers, patients, and charities.
Petition calls for dedicated taskforce
The petition proposes the creation of a dedicated national taskforce to accelerate research, improve access to clinical trials, speed up diagnosis, strengthen specialist care, and better coordinate support for patients and families across the UK. This move follows a series of parliamentary interventions by Mr McNally on behalf of his constituent, Mark Sommerville, who was diagnosed with MND in 2023.
Earlier this year, Frank pressed ministers to increase investment in MND research, telling the House that “time matters so much” to those living with the disease and their families. The day after presenting the petition, Mr McNally also raised the issue with the Deputy Prime Minister during Prime Minister’s Questions, urging the government to continue driving progress towards better treatments and ultimately a cure.
MP's commitment to MND cause
Mr McNally MP said: "Motor Neurone Disease is one of the cruellest illnesses imaginable. It is devastating for those diagnosed and for the families who face it alongside them. I’ve been proud to work alongside my constituent Mark Sommerville and The Mark Sommerville Foundation, whose determination to improve outcomes for everyone affected by MND has been nothing short of inspirational. This petition is about turning that determination into action. We need a co-ordinated national strategy that brings together researchers, clinicians, patients and government to accelerate research, expand access to clinical trials, improve care and, ultimately, help find effective treatments and a cure. I’ve raised this issue repeatedly in Parliament, including directly with the Deputy Prime Minister at Prime Minister’s Questions, because people living with MND simply do not have time to wait. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure their voices are heard."
Scope of the proposed strategy
The petition asks the government to work with the devolved administrations to deliver a UK-wide strategy focused on accelerating research, improving access to innovative treatments and clinical trials, reducing diagnostic delays, and ensuring equitable care and support for everyone living with MND. The campaign has garnered significant local support, with many residents of Coatbridge and Bellshill backing the call for action.
