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Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
19 November 2025
Lead MP
Tessa Munt
Wells and Mendip Hills
LD
Responding Minister
Ashley Dalton
Tags
NHS
Word Count: 9615
Other Contributors: 22
At a Glance
Tessa Munt raised concerns about myalgic encephalomyelitis in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I urge the Minister to see this not as a sunk cost but as an investment in a group of people who are desperate to contribute to society. The annual economic impact of ME today is likely to be at least £7 billion, and if those living with ME-like symptoms following covid are included, we could be approaching an annual cost of £20 billion.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Myalgic encephalomyelitis is a complex, chronic condition affecting multiple body systems. There are approximately 1.35 million people living with ME or ME-like symptoms, which includes healthcare workers, teachers and other key workers who kept the country running during the pandemic. Women are five times more likely than men to develop ME, and patients have endured substandard and sometimes unsafe healthcare with pitifully little funding for research.
Adam Dance
LD
Yeovil
Shared the story of Iona, who was diagnosed with ME in 2019 after being unwell since 2014. Emphasised that lack of understanding and support is a major barrier for those suffering from ME.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Supported extending support to communities like ME Group Staffordshire. Emphasised the importance of monitoring training uptake, improving accountability structures, and increasing funding for research.
Alison Hume
Lab
Scarborough and Whitby
Shares a letter from a constituent describing how ME has 'taken almost everything' due to its severe symptoms, underlining the decimating effects of the condition for 25% of sufferers.
St Ives
There is still significant uncertainty among many clinicians as to whether ME should be treated as a medical rather than a psychological condition, but evidence from Edinburgh shows that ME has nothing to do with psychiatry.
Acknowledges the impact of ME/CFS on individuals and families, outlines steps taken by the Government to address stigma and inconsistent care through the ME/CFS final delivery plan focusing on research, education and enhancing care.
Tewkesbury
According to at least one survey, about 66% of sufferers require some form of social care. The Government must address social care if they are going to get health and social care right.
Chris Murray
Lab
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh
Agreed that despite health being devolved, the situation for ME patients is similar across different regions, and stressed the need to look into people’s experience of dealing with health services.
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
He agrees that the Government must adopt a strategic and properly funded research programme for ME.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
He questions the lack of delivery in the ME plan and asks about plans for both Departments to discuss changes around the Department for Work and Pensions. He also presses on what engagement there is with stakeholders. Inquires about future meetings of the task and finish group related to ME/CFS plans.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Asks if the Minister agrees that ME/CFS is often overlooked due to its prevalence in women and seeks clear funding, accountability, deadlines for the delivery plan and a service for very severe ME/CFS.
Epsom and Ewell
Described the experience of a constituent who was diagnosed with ME in 2019 and is now unable to work due to severe symptoms. Highlighted issues with local NHS services being overwhelmed by referrals.
James Naish
Lab
Rushcliffe
Acknowledges the work of Jo Platt in chairing the APPG and raises concerns about a constituent's son waiting for a proper referral for chronic fatigue syndrome.
Jayne Kirkham
Lab/Co-op
Truro and Falmouth
The MP mentions her constituent Alice who is severely affected by ME and fears for her life due to inadequate hospital care.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
In Northern Ireland, the figures for ME have risen significantly. We need research and partnerships with universities such as Queen’s University Belfast to find a cure for ME.
Jo Platt
Lab/Co-op
Leigh and Atherton
The MP shared personal experience with long covid leading to ME, emphasizing the need for early recognition and support. She highlighted that research and recognition are essential for managing symptoms towards recovery.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Speaks about her constituent Sarah Lewis who tragically lost her life due to ME and was not taken seriously by the medical profession. Urges the NHS to take this condition more seriously.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West
An NHS nurse with ME cannot access timely care, leading to the use of private healthcare options.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming and Ash
Tells the story of a young man with ME who eventually moved to America for better treatment. Emphasises the importance of funding research in this country, citing Edinburgh University’s DecodeME study.
Tessa Munt
Con
North Devon
Expressed delight at Minister's speech, thanked contributors, and highlighted the importance of continuing the campaign for ME/CFS support.
Tom Morrison
LD
Cheadle
Agreed with Adam Dance, highlighting the need for more action from Government to counter the misunderstanding and neglect that ME sufferers receive.
North East Fife
In her constituency, there has been no specialist ME doctor or nurse in the whole of Scotland since an incredible ME specialist nurse passed away two years ago. Training for GPs and other healthcare workers is also needed.
Bath
Highlights that people suffering from ME have one of the lowest quality of lives out of all conditions. Calls for more understanding and awareness of ME, differentiating it from chronic fatigue.
Government Response
Ashley Dalton
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Government Response
The Minister acknowledges the concerns raised by MPs, pays tribute to their advocacy work, and confirms that she will respond to as many issues as possible. She also mentions that training is being rolled out as part of the delivery plan. Outlines steps including the publication of the final delivery plan, research initiatives such as DecodeME, funding for repurposed treatments and PRIME infrastructure project. Discusses improving access to specialist services, changing attitudes towards ME/CFS, e-learning programme for healthcare professionals and ongoing work with NHS England.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.