National Brain Cancer Lead

Debate between Baroness Paul of Shepherd's Bush and Baroness Merron

Tuesday 3rd November 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Paul of Shepherd’s Bush]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what progress they have made towards appointing a national lead for brain cancer, and what measures are in place to ensure that the role supports improvements in research funding, clinical care, treatment pathways and patient outcomes across the United Kingdom.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Care (Baroness Merron) (Lab)]

My Lords, last month the Government confirmed plans to recruit a national brain tumour lead, with details to follow. As announced by the Prime Minister, the national lead will co-ordinate action and drive forward work to improve outcomes for brain tumour patients, supported by our rare cancer clinical and research leads and working with the National Cancer Board.

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[Baroness Paul of Shepherd’s Bush (Lab)]

My Lords, I congratulate 25 year-old Archie Goodburn, the Commonwealth medallist living with a currently incurable brain tumour, on securing this commitment from the Prime Minister for a clinical lead on this devastating disease. Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and young people under 40, but despite this, there has been no change or progress in treatment in over 40 years. Does the Minister agree with me that the only way to change outcomes is to accelerate at pace the number and range of clinical trials taking place so that there is a chance of a cure for Archie and other patients?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I know how much the Prime Minister appreciated his meeting with Archie. Indeed, the Prime Minister has acknowledged that enough progress has not been made in this area and committed, as my noble friend said, to a number of actions. I certainly would agree with my noble friend’s view on the importance of clinical trials. I can say to my noble friend that, as we set out in the national cancer plan, we are committed to ensuring that the UK supports new clinical trials for brain cancer and boosting participation in research. Both of these really need to be pushed forward, and we are fast-tracking clinical trial set-up times to 150 days to ensure that more patients can access innovative treatments in our country.