Written Question
Friday 11th July 2025
Asked by:
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Labour - Life peer)
Question
to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to improve access to clinical trials for new disease-modifying dementia treatments; and how they will ensure that early and accurate diagnosis is prioritised.
Answered by Baroness Merron
- Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
Government responsibility for delivering dementia research is shared between the Department of Health and Social Care, with research delivered via the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with research delivered via UK Research and Innovation.
The Department of Health and Social Care is committed to ensuring that all patients, including those with dementia, have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative, lifesaving treatments.
As an example, the Department, via the NIHR, is investing nearly £50 million into the Dementia Trials Network, a coordinated network of trial sites across the United Kingdom, which will offer people with dementia the opportunity to take part in early phase clinical trials irrespective of where they live. This is complemented by the £20 million Dementia Trials Accelerator, designed to position the UK as the destination of choice for late phase clinical trials in dementia and neurodegenerative diseases.
In partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK, and Alzheimer Scotland, the NIHR also delivers Join Dementia Research, an online platform which enables the involvement of people with and without a dementia diagnosis, as well as carers, to take part in a range of important research, including studies evaluating potential treatments for dementia.
The Government’s Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals programme, which is expected to have nearly £150 million of Government funding allocated to it, or aligned with it, aims to speed up the development of new treatments for dementia and neurodegenerative conditions by accelerating innovations in biomarkers, clinical trials, and implementation.
Our health system has struggled to support those with complex needs, including those with dementia. Under the 10-Year Plan, those living with dementia will benefit from improved care planning and better services. We will deliver the first ever Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia to deliver rapid and significant improvements in quality of care and productivity. This will be informed by phase one of the independent commission into adult social care, expected in 2026.
We recognise the importance of a timely diagnosis, and remain committed to increasing diagnosis rates and ensuring that people can access any licensed and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence-recommended treatment and/or support they need.
Speech in Lords Chamber - Wed 09 Jul 2025
House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill
"My Lords, I was sitting here with unusual patience, but the noble Lord, Lord Wallace, has encouraged me to intervene to make just one point. The Bill says it is to:
“Remove the remaining connection between hereditary peerage and membership of the House of Lords; to abolish the jurisdiction of …..."Lord Foulkes of Cumnock - View Speech
View all Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab - Life peer) contributions to the debate on: House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill
Division Vote (Lords)
9 Jul 2025 - House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill -
View Vote Context
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab) voted No
- in line with the party majority
and against the House
One of
140 Labour No votes vs
1 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 284 Noes - 239
Division Vote (Lords)
9 Jul 2025 - House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill -
View Vote Context
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab) voted No
- in line with the party majority
and in line with the House
One of
114 Labour No votes vs
0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 11 Noes - 126
Division Vote (Lords)
9 Jul 2025 - House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill -
View Vote Context
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab) voted No
- in line with the party majority
and in line with the House
One of
134 Labour No votes vs
1 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 139 Noes - 158
Division Vote (Lords)
9 Jul 2025 - House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill -
View Vote Context
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab) voted No
- in line with the party majority
and against the House
One of
147 Labour No votes vs
1 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 265 Noes - 247
Speech in Lords Chamber - Tue 08 Jul 2025
Forest Risk Commodities
"My Lords, as the Minister is aware, a large percentage of the forests of the United Kingdom are in Scotland. Would the Minister consult with the Scottish Government about this and let us have their views?..."Lord Foulkes of Cumnock - View Speech
View all Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab - Life peer) contributions to the debate on: Forest Risk Commodities
Speech in Lords Chamber - Mon 07 Jul 2025
Unpaid Tax
"My Lords, will the Minister give us an assurance that the Treasury will pursue Members, former Members and Members on leave of absence from this House with the same vigour as it pursues everyone else? In relation to one notorious tax dodger, will the Treasury accept the cash delivered in …..."Lord Foulkes of Cumnock - View Speech
View all Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab - Life peer) contributions to the debate on: Unpaid Tax
Division Vote (Lords)
7 Jul 2025 - Renters’ Rights Bill -
View Vote Context
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab) voted No
- in line with the party majority
and against the House
One of
131 Labour No votes vs
1 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 206 Noes - 198
Division Vote (Lords)
7 Jul 2025 - Renters’ Rights Bill -
View Vote Context
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab) voted No
- in line with the party majority
and against the House
One of
144 Labour No votes vs
1 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 274 Noes - 154