The petition of residents of the constituency of Coatbridge and Bellshill,
Declares that motor neurone disease is a devastating, fast acting, terminal illness that currently has no cure; and further declares that the UK Government must act to create a national strategy for MND that:
is led by clinical and research experts, in partnership with patients and their families, and patient organisations;
introduces a national taskforce to drives forward delivery of key objectives;
supports MND research with enhanced access to participation in clinical trials;
accelerates novel drug discovery, drug repurposing, and access to innovative treatments;
improves diagnostic waiting times and specialist multidisciplinary care;
ensures equitable support, equipment, and palliative services across the UK;
co-ordinates health, social care, and research through a single national plan.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to work in partnership with the devolved administrations to deliver a national strategy for motor neurone disease with emphasis on finding effective treatments and a cure, supporting research, enhancing access to clinical trials, and improving co-ordination of social care.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Frank McNally, Official Report, 16 June 2026; Vol. 787, c. 804.]
[P003208]
Observations from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Mrs Sharon Hodgson): The Government recognise the significant and life-limiting impact that motor neurone disease has on those affected and their families, and the importance of timely diagnosis, co-ordinated care, and access to high-quality support.
While there is currently no single national strategy for MND in England, the NHS is expected to provide person-centred care for people with complex neurological conditions, including access to multidisciplinary teams, specialist support, and palliative and end-of-life care services where clinically appropriate.
Responsibility for the commissioning and delivery of services, including equipment provision and community-based care in England, rests with integrated care boards. These bodies are expected to assess local population need and ensure that services are accessible and responsive, although the Government acknowledge that variation in provision can occur and continue to support efforts to improve equity of access. NHS England continues to work to reduce diagnostic delays and improve pathways for neurological conditions through service improvement programmes and workforce development.
The Government 10-year health plan for England, published last year, is focusing on strengthening community-based, integrated care for people with long-term conditions in England, including improving access to co-ordinated multidisciplinary support closer to home. While not condition-specific, these reforms are intended to benefit all those living with complex conditions, such as MND, by improving the consistency and responsiveness of services.
The Government also recognise the importance of effective co-ordination between health and social care services. Work is ongoing to strengthen integration through local systems, with the aim of delivering more joined-up care for people with complex, long-term conditions such as MND.
The independent commission on adult social care, chaired by Baroness Casey, is currently considering how to improve the quality, consistency and sustainability of social care services, including better integration with health services and more personalised support. Its work will help inform longer-term reform to ensure that people with complex and progressive conditions such as MND are able to access appropriate care, equipment and support in a more co-ordinated and responsive way, reducing unwarranted variation and improving outcomes for individuals and their families.
The Government are committed to fast-tracking care and support for people with MND, in line with Baroness Casey’s recommendation to introduce a fast-track “passport” for people diagnosed with MND. This passport will ensure immediate access to a full package of care and necessary home adaptations.