Parkinson’s Awareness Month 2025-05-01

Praises Graeme Downie for bringing forward the debate on Parkinson’s. Asks if there is more that the Government can do to encourage volunteering in local support groups, highlighting the need for increased awareness of these groups.

Supports Graeme Downie's speech on the complexity of Parkinson’s. Mentions Rory Cellan-Jones, a constituent with Parkinson’s who hosts the 'Movers and Shakers' podcast, which won an award for best podcast of the year. Calls for Government funding to support more research into Parkinson’s.

Supports Graeme Downie's point on the holistic impact of waiting times and lack of information post-diagnosis, highlighting the need for family-based support.

Calls for a Parkinson's passport, a diagnostic pathway within 18 weeks of referral, investment in the NHS workforce for neurological professionals and specialist nurses. Urges reform of Personal Independence Payments to avoid incorrect assessments and eligibility criteria that deny support to many who are profoundly affected by their condition.

Supports the Parky charter's reasonable and legitimate requests, highlighting the lack of care and support for Parkinson’s patients. Mentions Jane Lindsay's initiative to set up a local Parkinson’s café that has expanded significantly and raised over £230,000 in funds.

Discussed the impact of Parkinson's on local communities, highlighted the work of John Lange and his wife Anne who run a charity shop, emphasised the importance of community support networks such as exercise classes, boxing sessions, walking football for people with Parkinson’s. Mentioned Kay Mair, a Parkinson’s nurse specialist, and discussed NHS funding in England compared to Scotland.

Expressed shock at the long time since the last debate on Parkinson's disease. Mentioned his career background in health and social care and acknowledged that Parkinson’s did not receive adequate attention previously.

Paid tribute to those living with Parkinson’s, noted around 153,000 people in the UK are affected by the condition, including at least 257 people in his constituency. Emphasised the work of volunteers and support groups run by Parkinson’s UK in his area. Highlighted issues with PIP eligibility changes and called for better communication between Westminster and Scottish Governments regarding disability benefits assessments like ADP. Called for the UK Government to learn from Scotland's approach to disability benefits.

Expressed support for his colleague’s speech, noting Parkinson’s as the fastest-growing neurological condition with around 153,000 people affected in the UK. Mentioned local groups like Movers and Shakers and shared personal stories of constituents living with Parkinson’s disease, including Andy Pellant who has been a mentor and friend to him. Highlighted community initiatives such as free fitness memberships for residents with Parkinson’s provided by Everyone Active. Called on the government to consider implementation of Parky Charter steps including speedy specialists, instant information, comprehensive care, and a quest for a cure.

Athwal shared the story of his constituent Jagdeep, a person with Parkinson's who uses Seva principles to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s UK. He also highlighted the importance of exercise in managing symptoms and emphasised the role of community care as part of the Labour Government's 10-year plan.

Sullivan spoke about the impact of Parkinson’s on mental health, highlighting that a lack of awareness leads to delays in seeking help. She also addressed the dire situation in Scotland regarding waiting times for diagnosis.

Commemorates Margo MacDonald’s work, highlights local statistics showing 222 people with Parkinson's in Glasgow West. Stresses the importance of professional staff and medication availability. Raises concerns over mental health impacts and insufficient research funding (£34 per person). Calls for action from both UK and Scottish Governments.

Appreciates contributions made by hon. Members, acknowledges the growing number of people with Parkinson's in the UK. Discusses personal experience with Richard from her constituency, emphasising anxiety and depression issues. Identifies failings such as long waits for specialists, access to expert multidisciplinary teams, medication delays in hospitals, and limited mental health support. Proposes solutions including reviewing medicines supply chain, expanding MHRA capacity, prioritising mental health check-ups, supporting carers through respite breaks and social care reforms, and promoting workplace accessibility.

Commends the hon. Member for Dunfermline and Dollar on securing the debate. Acknowledges heartfelt contributions from other Members. Highlights stories like Jagdeep’s and John and Anne's, emphasising the importance of support and awareness.

Downie highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, specialist care, emotional support, and research for a cure. He shared personal experiences and stories from constituents affected by Parkinson's. The disease impacts more than 150,000 people in the UK with no cure but ongoing treatments to manage symptoms.

Dalton acknowledged the contributions of Back Benchers and raised awareness about Parkinson's charities such as Parkinson’s UK, Cure Parkinson’s, and The Brain Charity. He praised the “Get It On Time” campaign for improving time-critical medication delivery and noted the importance of research, shorter waiting times for neurology appointments, and more Parkinson’s nurses.

Ferguson highlighted the personal impact of Parkinson's on her friends, family, and colleagues. She emphasised the need for better support systems, early diagnosis, and comprehensive care.

The Minister outlines several national initiatives aimed at improving Parkinson’s care. These include the Getting it Right First Time neurology programme, NHS England's neuroscience transformation programme, and the establishment of the Neuro Forum to address gaps in treatment and care. The speech also touches on funding announcements for research into Parkinson’s disease through the UK Dementia Research Institute and the discovery that eye scans can detect Parkinson’s up to seven years before symptoms appear.

The MP thanked the Backbench Business Committee for allowing the debate and acknowledged contributions from Members across the House. He emphasised the importance of local volunteers, support groups, and families in supporting those with Parkinson’s, highlighting emotional stories shared during the debate.