Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the United Kingdom’s capability to participate in EU-wide and international clinical trials for rare cancers.

The Government recognises that international collaboration is essential for clinical trials in rare cancers, where small and geographically dispersed patient populations mean that multi-country studies are necessary to generate robust clinical evidence.

The United Kingdom associated to Horizon Europe in January 2024, enabling UK entities to participate in European Union wide and international clinical trials, including on rare cancers. Through Horizon Europe, the UK participates in the EU Cancer Mission and the European Rare Diseases Research Alliance. These complementary Horizon Europe initiatives are bringing together funding, international expertise, and patient advocacy to support international clinical trials to improve survival rates and access to treatments for those affected by rare cancers globally.

The UK has strong capability to participate in EU-wide and international trials, supported by National Institute for Health and Care Research funding and its wider investments in research infrastructure, which enable the delivery of high-quality, complex studies. Rare cancer trials are being further strengthened through the National Cancer Plan for England and the implementation of the Rare Cancers Act 2026, which will support the UK’s delivery of rare cancer trials and participation in international studies.