Brain Tumour Research Funding

Pays tribute to the Realf family, Dame Tessa Jowell, and others involved in raising awareness for brain tumour research. Emphasises that despite significant funding commitments since 2018, there has been a lack of grant deployment due to structural issues within the system. Recommends recognising brain tumour research as a critical priority with dedicated funding across all stages of the research pathway.

Agrees that there is a need for someone to take charge of the strategy within the Department to address structural problems preventing progress in brain tumour research funding deployment.

Stresses the urgent need for ringfenced funding specifically for research into childhood brain tumours, citing a constituent's story of her young niece struggling with diagnosis and treatment.

Reiterates that brain tumour research is critical to shift the dial on decades-old challenges in improving survival rates. Urges for significant change due to profound consequences if progress is not made.

Asked if the Government have notified the Speaker’s Office of their intention to make a statement about pausing or stopping whole elements of HS2, suggesting that such information should be shared through a formal statement in the House.

Responded to Iain Duncan Smith's point of order, stating that he is not aware of any notification from the Government to the Speaker’s Office regarding HS2 semi-briefings or statements.

Paid tribute to the work done by the APPG on Brain Tumour Research and highlighted the devastating impact of brain tumours, with a five-year survival rate of only 6.8% for glioblastoma. He emphasised the need for increased investment in research, better joined-up funding systems, and equitable access to trials for patients.

Acknowledges the work of the all-party parliamentary group on brain tumours, thanks contributors including Brain Tumour Research and hon. Friend Derek Thomas. Discusses case study of David Hopkins who was diagnosed with a glioblastoma during the pandemic and had limited treatment options due to NHS constraints. Emphasises the urgent need for more funding and better access to research opportunities.

Siobhain McDonagh spoke about her sister Margaret's diagnosis with a glioblastoma, detailing the challenges they faced due to NHS delays and the lack of treatment options in the UK. She emphasised the need for clinical trials, mandatory training for medical oncologists in brain tumour specialism, and pharmaceutical companies to trial drugs on brain cancer patients.

Nigel Evans offered his support and expressed admiration for Siobhain McDonagh's bravery in sharing her personal story about her sister Margaret's battle with a glioblastoma.

Praises the hon. Member for Mitcham and Morden for sharing a personal family story about brain tumours, thanking her for bringing this debate to Parliament. He also thanks his hon. Friend the Member for St Ives for leading the all-party group on brain tumours and highlights the report 'Brain Tumours, Pathway to a Cure—breaking down the barriers'. Urges the Minister to take the serious and evidence-based recommendations of the report seriously in order to save lives. Raises concerns about funding issues with only £8.8 million allocated out of £40 million for brain tumour research as of May 2021, due to a lack of new basic science discoveries. Emphasises the importance of clinical research and highlights gaps in research funding along the pathway from discovery to bedside treatment. Discusses how underfunding has affected patient groups with childhood brain tumours, where survival rates for aggressive tumours remain unchanged for decades. Mentions that there are no new treatments after five years despite allocated funds. Commends Cancer Research UK and Brain Tumour Research for their work, but notes that their calls for more funding have not been met. Pays tribute to Sue Farrington Smith, chief executive of Brain Tumour Research, for her efforts in raising awareness and providing funding for early-stage science. Supports the report’s recommendations including an NIHR trials database and awareness campaign delivered through the NHS.

I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Mitcham and Morden for sharing her experience regarding Margaret, expressing appreciation for her dedication to various issues. I also express gratitude to Sonya Kean and others who have brought attention to brain tumour research funding. The debate highlights the challenges faced by sufferers and their families in accessing treatment and support, as well as the inadequacies of the welfare benefits system for carers. Despite these struggles, there is a remarkable level of dedication from healthcare professionals such as Dr Paul Mulholland. I praise the work of the all-party parliamentary group on brain tumour research which has produced an effective report. The debate focuses on allocating and accessing funds; despite £24 million being spent on brain tumour research last year, the frontline feels underfunded due to barriers in place. Key recommendations include appointing a champion across two Departments for better coordination, establishing ministerial meetings with APPG members, legislative enforcement, formalising cooperation between agencies, examining tax reliefs for pharmaceutical companies (with preference for conditional grants), and reviewing decision-making speed on funding allocation to improve patient access to treatment.

Compliments the hon. Friend and the all-party group on their excellent report, notes that brain tumour research is receiving growing support from the Government but more can be done, highlights the importance of Brain Tumour Awareness Month. Emphasises the need for earlier identification of signs to improve survival rates and mentions funding gaps in childhood cancers and treatment accessibility issues.

Pays tribute to the work of Brain Tumour Research and the APPG on brain tumours, shares Amani's story to highlight the inadequacy of current funding and support for brain tumour research. Criticises the slow allocation of promised funds and calls for a joined-up approach from basic science through to clinical trials.

Acknowledged contributions and praised Tessa Jowell's legacy. Emphasised the importance of research in tackling brain tumours, acknowledged challenges such as complexity and difficulty obtaining biopsy samples. Stressed commitment to fund high-quality science and support researchers.

Praised Brain Tumour Research's work and highlighted the need for patients and consultants to hear that there is more they can do. Emphasised the complexity of brain tumours and the importance of changing this situation.

Shared a personal story about her sister's experience with cancer, stressed the need for clinical trials in the UK and abroad. Urged the Minister to ensure that every opportunity is taken to encourage patients to sign up to clinical trials.

Urged action on the report’s recommendations, highlighted the need for further research into childhood brain tumours and raised concerns about the lack of funding allocation despite high-quality applications.

Presented Amani's story, highlighting the family's struggle to fundraise for international clinical trials. Questioned where the allocated money is and requested a meeting with relevant officials to discuss further.

Mr Nigel Evans thanked Derek Thomas for chairing the debate and noted that the question had been agreed upon.

Ms Sarah Owen raised a point of order regarding an unexpected written ministerial statement about delays to High Speed 2 and other infrastructure projects, arguing it should have been announced in the House first due to its significance.

Mr Nigel Evans responded to Sarah Owen's point of order, confirming that Mr Speaker has made it clear announcements like this should be made to the House first. He noted that Members will have an opportunity to question Ministers about the statement after Easter.