Recent ME debate in Westminster

A step in the right direction

On Thursday 21st of June a debate on “ME: Treatment and Research” took place in Westminster Hall.

The debate lasted nearly 3 hours.

28 backbenchers spoke (including one of our Dorset Patrons – Michael Tomlinson MP) and they were both eloquent and passionate as they spoke about the challenges faced by their constituents in accessing medical services, problems with DWP, PACE trial, and the chronic lack of biomedical research into ME/CFS.

They collectively called for more biomedical research funding, an end to controversial psychotherapy and exercise therapies, and to the end to the stigma and disbelief surrounding ME.

A response was delivered by Steve Brine – Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health.

A full transcript can be found in Hansard or by using this link:  https://bit.ly/2lpBsld

and the debate can be watched or listened to on Parliamentlive.tv:  https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/3d63c39d-18f3-4cd7-8509-c91785dced98#player-tabs

Coverage and comments can be found on the websites and Facebook pages of all the main ME charities