20 October 2023 News
At the start of October, colleagues from our Public Affairs, Policy and Campaigns team attended Conservative and Labour Party Conferences to speak with MPs, local party members and other political stakeholders about key campaigning priorities.
Party conferences are a key part of the year for political parties. With this likely being the last party conference season before the next general election, the MND Association went to both Labour and Conservative Party Conferences. The focus was on raising awareness of MND among delegates, seeking support for policy changes and building relationships with key political stakeholders as parties finalise manifesto plans for the next year.
At Conservative Party Conference, we met with a number of MPs to discuss our new manifesto document and attended a variety of 'fringe’ events. These discussed issues impacting our community such as clinical trials, AI and innovation within the NHS and how energy policy could be drafted to support the most vulnerable on a long-term basis. We also took part in the Health Charity Showcase organised by Hanover where Millie took the opportunity to speak to Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP, about MND research funding.
At Labour Party Conference, we again engaged with a number of MPs, councillors and people affected by MND to talk about our key policy asks of Government. We took part in a number of fringe events including the Neurological Alliance event which focused on the 1 in 6 campaign, where we were joined by a number of our lovely volunteers from the Wirral Group, and Merseyside Branch. We also again took part in the Health Charity Showcase organised by Hanover and spoke with members of the Shadow Health Team.
Conference season is a great opportunity to get straight to decision makers in Government. We build relationships and then highlight issues that will later be raised in parliament on behalf of people living with MND.
Ellen McLean, Senior Public Affairs Advisor, MND Association
Party Conference season was a busy one for the team but it has provided us with lots of actions to follow up on back in Westminster to ensure issues affecting people living with MND remain high on the political agenda.
If you would like to get involved with the campaigning work of the Public Affairs, Policy and Campaigns team, drop them an email to [email protected]