Mr Lewer emphasises the urgency of investing in motor neurone disease research, care services, and patient support. He notes that about a third of MND sufferers pass away within a year of diagnosis and more than half within two years, with up to 5,000 people affected at any one time in the UK. The debate calls for improvements in genetic testing, access to mental health services, carer benefits, winter vaccinations, social care support, energy costs, and disability benefits.

Motor neurone disease is a rapidly progressing neurological illness affecting about 400 people in Scotland and 5,000 people in the UK. The disease stops signals from the brain reaching muscles, leading to muscle weakness and deterioration. A University of Glasgow study found that Scottish sports players are 15 times more likely to develop MND than the general population. Rugby players were twice as likely to develop dementia and over three times more likely to receive a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Former professional footballers were also at higher risk, being three and a half times more likely to die from illnesses like motor neurone disease and dementia. The speaker emphasises the importance of stem cell research for finding potential treatments or cures for MND. They acknowledge Doddie Weir's efforts in raising funds and awareness for MND research through his foundation My Name’5 Doddie, which has raised over £1 million so far. The SNP welcomes the UK Government’s announcement to spend £50 million on MND research but calls for progress updates on how these funds are being allocated.

Motor neurone disease is a cruel illness that can strike anyone at any time. The speaker highlights the bravery of those who speak publicly about their condition, especially Doddie Weir, his constituent from the Scottish Borders. Before being diagnosed six years ago, Doddie was a hero to people in the Borders and Scotland due to his rugby career and character. Since diagnosis, he has continued campaigning passionately for MND research and treatment. The speaker admires Doddie's positive energy and relentless fight against the disease. He encourages the Government to act urgently on funding promised for MND research, streamline the process of accessing funds, and ensure that valuable time is not wasted in writing multiple applications instead of tackling MND directly. Last year’s £50 million investment by the Government was a welcome step towards finding a cure, but there's an urgent need to make sure this funding reaches frontline researchers faster.

Commends the debate's introduction and highlights the severity of MND, noting that it affects six people daily in the UK with no cure. Discusses personal experience and the inadequate care situation in Northern Ireland compared to other parts of the UK. Emphasises the need for equitable access to research and support for carers. Acknowledges the £50 million investment by the Government but calls for better use of universities and collaboration between them.

Highlights personal experience with MND through Jim Hughes, a local businessman. Mentions Gordon Aikman's campaign efforts during the referendum period and his fundraising through the ice bucket challenge. Acknowledges the positive impact of Doddie Weir's My Name’5 Doddie Foundation in raising awareness and funds for MND research. Urges the Government to match the level of support shown by individuals and organisations.

I am grateful to the Backbench Business Committee for arranging this debate on MND. I find myself in complete agreement with all points made from both sides of the House. MND is a terminal and incurable progressive condition affecting 5,000 people in the UK at any one time but impacts up to 200,000 across their lifetimes due to its prevalence of 1 in every 300 people. The Scottish Government provides universal free prescriptions and named MND clinical nurse specialists for NHS boards. The research for new therapies requires a multi-disciplinary approach, and I am pleased with the £50 million funding announced by the UK Government last November but would like to know about progress made on its allocation.

I congratulate the hon. Members for Northampton South and Newport East on securing this debate. MND impacts 5,000 adults across the UK at any one time; it kills one third of people within a year and more than half within two years after diagnosis. The moral case for investment in research is clear to help find treatments transforming lives affected by MND, while economic benefits include better outcomes for NHS and taxpayers. I call on the Minister to confirm that the £50 million pledge into MND funding is still policy and when it will be delivered. We must also invest in a better future for our NHS, social care system, workforce, research laboratories, home adaptations for people with MND, and address housing accessibility needs.

I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton South and the hon. Member for Newport East for securing this important debate. My hon. Friend the Member for Northampton South has been a fantastic champion for research on MND cause, while the hon. Member for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill made important points about head impacts in sport. My hon. Friend the Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk gave us inspiring words of Doddie Weir and highlighted the need to simplify funding for researchers. The hon. Member for Strangford made a typically compassionate and experienced speech on MND research interaction with other diseases. My right hon. Friend the Member for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale told us about victims' courage and older people's check-ups. I pay tribute to those impacted by MND who campaign for better futures and organisations like “United to End MND” and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. We must move fast on research and care for those living with MND now and in future, ensuring highest-quality care and support.

The £50 million investment for MND is still Government policy. He highlighted the importance of social care and mentioned an extra £500 million announcement for social care recently made by the government.

He raised important points about head impacts in sport as a key priority for MND research.

He gave inspiring words of Doddie Weir and highlighted the need to simplify funding for researchers working on MND.

Made a compassionate speech on the need for all UK regions to learn from each other in MND research interaction with research into other diseases.

He spoke about victims' courage in campaigning for improvements and the need for older people to get themselves checked up. Mentioned some encouraging research happening in Edinburgh.

Thanked hon. Members for their contributions and emphasised the importance of the all-party parliamentary group on motor neurone disease. Highlighted genetic breakthroughs that indicate a clear path to achieving a cure with the £50 million investment, urging for more haste in research progress. Acknowledged the work of MND Association, MND Scotland, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, and United to End MND. Stressed the courage of those suffering from MND and their caregivers, expressing hope that the debate demonstrated seriousness towards finding a cure.