Our work in government

How we work with politicians

Policies in every nation need to reflect the needs of people with MS, so we work closely with politicians in the UK Parliament, Welsh Assembly, Scottish Parliament and Northern Ireland Assembly to influence these policies.

We do this through:

• One-to-one meetings with politicians and other policy makers.
• Producing briefings on policies affecting people with MS.
• Drafting parliamentary and Prime Minister’s questions (PQs and PMQs).
• Working in coalition with other groups to lobby.
• Administering and working closely with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for MS (in Westminster) and the Cross-Party Group for MS (in the Scottish Parliament).

All-Party Parliamentary Group for Multiple Sclerosis (Westminster)

Following the 2024 General Election, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for multiple sclerosis needed to be re-established to become an active parliamentary group once again. The APPG for MS was re-established in November 2024. 

We work with a cross-party group of parliamentarians committed to tackling issues that affect people living with MS. The group is made up of MPs and peers from many different parties, who campaign to get MS issues high on the government’s agenda.

The chair of the group is Oliver Ryan, who was elected as the MP for Burnley at the 2024 General Election. Oliver has a personal connection to MS and is passionate about his lifelong commitment to helping others affected by MS. Lord Dubs, Sean Woodcock MP and Simon Hoare MP are also officers of the group.

In 2024-2025, the APPG will spotlight some of the challenges people with MS face today, including the barriers and enablers to enter and progress in work. The next meeting of the group is scheduled for July 2025. 

For more information about the APPG, please email [email protected].

Cross-Party Group for Multiple Sclerosis (Holyrood)

In October 2013 the first ever Cross-Party Group (CPG) for MS was established in the Scottish Parliament.

The CPG sets out to influence relevant legislation, raise awareness of the experiences of people with MS and ensure the voices of people affected by MS are heard by key decision-makers.

Members of the CPG include MSPs from different political parties, voluntary organisations, people affected by MS and health and social care professionals. The office bearers are:

• Convener: George Adam MSP
• Deputy Conveners: Donald Cameron MSP, John Finnie MSP, Liam McArthur MSP
• Secretary: MS Society Scotland

Find out more about the CPG for MS on the Scottish Parliament website

Is your MSP involved? Ask them to join the Group if they're not a member.