Our work in government
We make sure that politicians across the UK understand the issues affecting people living with MS.
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).
Our manifesto for the next UK general election
We work closely with our MS community to understand current gaps in treatment, care and support, and some of the burning issues that need acting on. We’re calling on political parties to listen to them and adopt key recommendations to:
- Make sure people have financial security and the opportunity to succeed in work.
- Make sure people have the support and healthcare they need to stay healthy and live well for longer.
- Access to well-resourced health services and financial security are the foundations for people with MS to live full and independent lives.
All-Party Parliamentary Group for Multiple Sclerosis (Westminster)
Due to the dissolution of parliament ahead of the general election on Thursday 4 July, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Multiple Sclerosis is currently inactive. "Dissolution of parliament" is the formal way of saying the end of parliament before a general election.
In the last parliament, we worked with a cross-party group of parliamentarians committed to tackling issues that affect people living with MS. The group was made up of MPs and peers from many different parties, who campaigned to get MS issues high on the government’s agenda.
The chair of the group was Charlotte Nichols, who was the MP for Warrington North until the dissolution of parliament. Charlotte has campaigned for us and has a keen interest in welfare and benefits. As well as access to treatments, research and the NHS workforce. Lord Dubs, Andrew Selous and Chris Law were also officers of the group until it was dissolved.
In 2023-2024 the APPG spotlighted some of the challenges people with MS face today. Including the launch of the MS Society’s manifesto in parliament in March.
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.
