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.

We want a society where every person, including those who have MND, receives high-quality, compassionate care from diagnosis through to the end of life, and can be supported to be cared for and die in their preferred place if possible.

The Government are developing a modern service framework for palliative care and end-of-life care. An interim update has been published in the form of a written ministerial statement, which is available online at: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2026-06-04/hcws88 accompanied by a “Further Information for Interested Parties” letter.

The MSF is a clinically led, evidence-based framework to support sustained improvement in outcomes for patients and carers, including by systematically identifying, measuring and reducing health inequalities, and reducing unwarranted variation in access, experience and outcomes. Our goal, which is being developed with partners, is that every person who needs palliative care or care at the end of life will have equitable access to high-quality support, shaped by what matters to them, their families and carers.

We are working closely with stakeholders to identify where the current system can work better for people with MND, ensuring that support is timelier, better co-ordinated, and focused on what individuals and families need. We will set out more information on this in due course.

Through the UK neuro forum, the Government work closely with the devolved Administrations, who are responsible for health and social care services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, to share best practice and improve outcomes across the UK. Collaboration also extends to supporting research efforts to better understand MND, develop effective treatments and, ultimately, find a cure.

This Government are continuing to invest in MND research across all areas through the National Institute for Health and Care Research and UK Research and Innovation, which includes the Medical Research Council.

Government funding for the MND data catalyst is driving collaborative activities to ensure that the MND research community can leverage existing data infrastructure, to accelerate progress in MND research and innovation across the UK. This work includes support for the MND register.

We continue to enable novel drug discovery and repurposing for MND through investment in the MND translational accelerator and NIHR-funded Experts-ALS trial. The NIHR and UKRI continue to welcome funding applications for research into MND, with no upper limits on funding available.

Through continued investment in research, service improvement and personalised care, the Government remain committed to improving outcomes, quality of life and support for people living with MND and their families.