MPs speak with passion at Brain Cancer Justice petition debate

16 June 2026 | Campaigning and research, Collaborations, News, Treatments

Brain Tumour Support has welcomed the powerful and emotive discussions that took place in Parliament yesterday (Monday 15 June), as the urgent need for greater investment in brain cancer research and treatment was debated. Securing this debate was a notable achievement by campaigning group Brain Cancer Justice following their petition to Government which was signed by more than 109,000 people and presented to 10 Downing Street on 9 March 2026.

The debate brought together MPs from across the political spectrum to discuss the ongoing challenges facing people diagnosed with brain cancer, including limited treatment options, poor survival rates and the need for increased research funding – and calling on the Government to invest further in brain cancer research and help “turn terminal into treatable”.

Throughout the debate, MPs shared the experiences of constituents and families affected by brain cancer, highlighting the devastating impact a diagnosis can have on patients and their loved ones. Campaigners and charities have long argued that brain tumours remain significantly underfunded compared to other cancers, despite being the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40.

Emma McKeown, Chief Executive of Brain Tumour Support, said:

“The level of attendance and the huge passion shown in sharing precious and powerful family stories of those affected by brain cancer was encouraging to see as we work together as a community to call for faster, more effective progress in a commitment to those affected by brain cancer. We stand with our fellow charities and campaigning groups to reinforce the important calls to action made to the Minister, Sharon Hodgson MP.

“We will proudly continue to offer the much needed support to anyone affected by a brain tumour or brain cancer diagnosis in the meantime whilst we await these next steps and necessary changes for more equitable, accessible treatment options, and we continue to hope that we can achieve that shared goal of turning terminal into treatable together in the future.”

The debate provided a rare opportunity for the voices of patients, families and bereaved loved ones to be heard at the highest levels of government. It also reflected the strength of cross-sector collaboration across the brain tumour community, with organisations, campaign groups, patients and families working together to ensure the issue remains firmly on the parliamentary agenda.

This shared commitment to progress was clear, alongside a deep frustration in the lack of increased spending and development over the past decade. The MPs attending consistently highlighted the need for faster, more effective action to improve survival, expand treatment options and enhance quality of life for those affected by brain tumours.

While policy discussions continue, Brain Tumour Support remains committed to providing vital emotional support, counselling and practical guidance for anyone affected by a brain tumour diagnosis. More information about our support services can be found here.

We will continue to monitor developments following the debate and work alongside partners across the brain tumour community to advocate for meaningful progress in research, treatment and patient outcomes.

View the whole Petitions Committee debate.