Tom Morrison MP has tabled an Early day Motion in the House of Commons calling on the government to act in relation to the recommendations in this July’s Delivery Plan for ME/CFS.
That this House welcomes the publication by the Department of Health and Social Care of the Final Delivery Plan on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), and recognises the work of officials and the ME community in shaping the plan; notes with concern, that the plan falls short of delivering the meaningful change urgently needed by people with ME/CFS; further notes the absence of a strategic approach to ME research, including the omission of proposals for a dedicated ME research hub; expresses concern that much of the new funding cited, such as for the PRIME (Patients, Researchers and Industry for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) project, was already secured through existing competitive processes; highlights the lack of sufficient accountability for implementing services and updating medical education in line with the NICE Guidelines on ME; regrets the limited attention given to severe ME and the absence of guarantees on specialist care provision; and calls on the Government to ensure robust accountability for its implementation, and provide the resources necessary to improve care, support and outcomes for people living with ME/CFS. (EDM (Early Day Motion) 1852)
What is an Early Day Motion?
As ‘MP’s Guide to Procedure’ explains – Early Day Motions (EDMs) are short proposals that MPs an opportunity to express an opinion, publicise a cause or support a position. Other MPs have the chance to show their support for the proposal by signing the EDM but it is rare for an EDM to be debated in the House.
It is however hoped that many MPs show their support for the EDM as backbench parliamentary pressure grows on the Government to put flesh on the bones of the Delivery Plan – specifically in the realm of research and the funding a Post-infectious Disease Platform. In little over 2 months the NIHR/MRC Showcase event for post acute infection conditions research will be held (6 November 2025) and in the run-up there will no doubt be more parliamentary questions – such as that tabled by Jo Platt MP – testing and probing the government on its intensions for ME/CFS research funding and its direction.
NB. Many of the weaknesses pointed out in the EDM mirror ME Research’s UK’s comments published immediately after the Delivery Plan was published.
