Our network of Parliamentary Champions are our 'go-to' individuals when engaging with Government and building support for our campaigns more broadly in Parliament and beyond.
Our champions are supportive of our work to create a world without ME and give a voice to the estimated 1.3m people in the UK who live with ME or ME-like symptoms, including post-exertional malaise.
Parliamentary Champions support us in raising awareness of ME by helping to include ME and related issues in parliamentary business and working with media to highlight key campaigns.
MPs and Peers have a wealth of knowledge so parliamentary champions may also suggest other ways to raise the profile of ME according to their skillset
Typical activities undertaken by a parliamentary champion may include one or more of the following:
Fleur Anderson MP
"I am delighted to become one of Action for ME’s first Parliamentary Champions, and I look forward to working with the charity to push for greater understanding of ME in Westminster. As an officer of the APPG on ME, championing the needs of those living with this debilitating disease is something I have been passionate about.
Becoming a Parliamentary Champion for Action for ME is another way I can raise awareness of the experiences of those living with ME and push Government for meaningful change to improve their lives.
A great starting point would be for Government to increase funding for research into ME as the cross-Government interim delivery plan calls for so that a cure can finally be found and ME becomes a thing of the past."
Image: Fleur Anderson ©House of Commons/Laurie Noble
Debbie Abrahams MP
“I am delighted to become one of Action for ME’s first Parliamentary Champions, supporting the charity to raise awareness of ME in and beyond Westminster.
Improving the quality of life of people with ME is an issue I hold close to my heart and I hope more parliamentarians will take notice and encourage the government to support this endeavour.
The consultation on the cross-Government interim Delivery Plan on ME/CFS is an important first step but I hope to see greater action in the months and years to come.”
Image: Deborah Abrahams ©House of Commons/Roger Harris
Baroness Scott
"A close family member was diagnosed with ME more than 15 years ago, so I have seen at first hand the devastating impact this condition can have. At one point this person was becoming severely disabled and unable to lead anything which most of us would see as a normal life.
If that were not bad enough, we saw scepticism and downright hostility in parts of the medical profession as well as a complete lack of understanding amongst those administering the benefits system. This is still all too common, and it is a constant battle for basic understanding of a condition which affects so many.
I am happy to offer my full support to Action for ME in all that they do"
Image: © House of Lords / photography by Roger Harris
John McDonnell MP
"ME affects at least 250,000 people in the UK, but underreporting means the true figure may be well over a million.
These people need care, compassion, and the condition needs proper funding. They also need allies. That is why I am delighted to become an official parliamentary champion for the charity, Action for ME"
I am happy to offer my full support to Action for ME in all that they do"
Image: John McDonnell ©House of Commons
Jess Phillips MP
"We’re delighted to welcome Jess Phillips MP as our newest Parliamentary Champion.
Jess brings an incredible amount of experience from her ongoing work to advocate for women & equalities and all of us here at Action for ME look forward to working with Jess to ensure that the positive change is achieved for people with ME." - Sonya Chowdhury, CEO, Action for ME
Image: Jessica Phillips ©House of Commons
Lord Bethell
“I am honoured to become a Parliamentary Champion for Action for ME and look forward to working closely with the charity to raise awareness of ME both in the House of Lords but also more widely across the country.
Knowing people that have been affected by ME, and having been minister for long Covid, I believe that it is key to focus on the growth agenda and understand how it affects working people. With the Government’s renewed focus on growth, I believe it is crucial to address how much workforce absenteeism is linked with illnesses like ME and long Covid. Bringing the Treasury into the conversation around health policy is vital, and I’m keen to explore how I can help drive this agenda forward.
By working with Action for ME, I can help to advocate for further research and urgent Government action.”
© House of Lords / photography by Roger Harris
Monica Harding MP
“I am honoured to become Action for ME's latest Parliamentary Champion and am excited to collaborate with the charity to raise awareness of ME in and beyond Westminster. As a new MP, I am committed to championing the needs of my constituents and all of those affected by this challenging illness across the UK, advocating for urgent Government action to improve their lives.
I believe a key priority for the Government must be to increase funding for research into ME and put it on par with other long-term conditions. Together, we can work towards a future where people with ME receive the recognition, respect, and support they deserve”.
Monica Harding ©House of Commons/Laurie Noble
Steve Race MP
“I am honoured to become a Parliamentary Champion for Action for ME and look forward to supporting their vital work raising greater awareness of and advocating for people with ME
The tragic passing of Maeve Boothby O’Neill, a young woman from Exeter who had severe ME, has brought to light the significant challenges faced by people living with ME within our healthcare system. Her inquest highlighted the urgent need for better understanding and specialist care for those living with ME.
I am committed to working with Action for ME to push for greater awareness and action, ensuring that the voices of ME patients are heard and that they receive the care and support they deserve.”
Stephen Race ©House of Commons/Roger Harris
Jo Platt MP
"I am honoured to become a Parliamentary Champion for Action for ME. My own experience with long Covid and suspected ME has given me a firsthand understanding of the impact post-viral diseases can have on people's lives.
Through my role as an MP, I am committed to raising awareness in Parliament and ensuring that those affected by ME and related long term, fluctuating conditions receive the recognition, support, and care they deserve."
Joanne Platt ©House of Commons/Roger Harris
Max Wilkinson MP
"I am pleased to become a Parliamentary Champion for Action for ME. My local work with people with ME in Cheltenham led to the opportunity to meet with Action for ME. During that meeting with Sonya, I was moved by the additional insight and understanding I gained about the challenges faced by people living with ME.
While I welcome the incoming Delivery Plan on ME/CFS, it is clear more must be done to better support people with ME. As an Action for ME Champion, I will support my constituents and those across the country living with ME."
Maximilian Wilkinson ©House of Commons/Laurie Noble
Dame Harriet Baldwin
“I am proud to become the latest Parliamentary Champion for Action for ME, supporting their vital work to raise awareness of this often misunderstood illness.
My commitment is to ensure that the voices of those living with ME are heard in Parliament, and I will work with colleagues to push for meaningful change to improve the support and services available to people with ME.
Harriett Baldwin ©House of Commons/Roger Harris
Paul Waugh MP
“Having spoken up on behalf of a Rochdale mother whose daughter tragically passed away from ME in 2018, I am honoured to support Action for ME as one of their Parliamentary Champions. This role will allow me to advocate for those living with ME and campaign for much-needed change as improving the lives of people with ME is a cause that demands greater attention.
Following my discussions last year with the Department for Health and Social Care, I look forward to working alongside parliamentary colleagues and Action for ME to prioritise the implementation of the delivery plan and to progress the next steps for lasting, impactful change.”
Paul Waugh ©House of Commons/Laurie Noble
Tessa Munt MP
“I am delighted to join Action for ME’s Parliamentary Champions network. This cause is especially important to me as I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of ME amongst friends, colleagues and constituents.
The Delivery Plan on ME/CFS is a vital first step, and I hope to see stronger commitments in the months and years ahead with Government prioritising much-needed research into this debilitating disease so our NHS can improve its care for people with ME.”
Tessa Munt ©House of Commons/Roger Harris
John Milne MP
"It was great to meet with the Chief Executive of Action for ME to discuss the government’s proposed welfare reforms and the serious implications they could have for people living with ME and other fluctuating conditions.
Changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility, the removal of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA), and reductions in the Universal Credit health element could have unintended consequences for those who rely on this support. The government must consider the effects of reform on all health conditions.
I look forward to working closely with Action for ME and Liberal Democrat colleagues to ensure that welfare support is fair, compassionate, and reflective of the realities people with ME face every day."
John Milne ©House of Commons/Laurie Noble
