MS Pushed Up The Agenda At Party Conferences

Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Article Date: 07 Oct 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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The needs of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the political issues that affect them were pushed up the agenda at the recent party conferences in Birmingham and Manchester.

MS Society chief executive, Simon Gillespie, lobbied key ministers and Parliamentarians in a bid to influence policy-makers and raise awareness of MS.

Speaking from the Conservative Conference in Birmingham, he said: "Our attendance at party conferences is a vital step in engaging with policy decision makers.

"I have had the opportunity to spend time discussing the needs of our members with key ministers, so that the major political parties are aware of the daily struggles faced by people with MS; their families and carers."

Among others, the then Minister for Care Services, Ivan Lewis MP, Secretary of State for Health, Alan Johnson MP, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Norman Lamb MP, and Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley MP were keen to discuss the issues facing people with MS.

During a public forum on health at the Labour Conference Simon was able to quiz Health Minister Ben Bradshaw MP as to how the Government plans to reform social care in a way that is fair for people with long term conditions like MS and fair to the taxpayer.

Meanwhile, at the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative party conferences a number of MS Society physiotherapists were on hand to inform visitors on the complex nature of MS as well as provide advice on posture and demonstrate muscle strengthening exercises.

MS Society physiotherapy lead, Jane Petty, said: "It is fantastic to have been able to attend the party conferences to raise awareness about MS among some of the country's most influential people.

"I have been surprised that so many people know someone with or affected by MS, yet so little is still known about the condition.

"Hopefully our presence at the conferences will help us change that by influencing government officials to invest more money into research and services for people affected by the condition."

Read more about policy and campaigns at the MS Society

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