On Tuesday 17th December 2024, the inaugural meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group was held. We are pleased to announce that the APPG on ME has been formally registered!
Following an introduction to ME, provided by Jo Platt MP was then unanimously confirmed in appointment as Chair of the APPG, by the Group .
Afterwards, a discussion was held on the APPG's purpose and to suggest priorities for the upcoming year, which included relaunching the inquiry into severe ME that the previous APPG was unable to complete, due to the General Election. Members will now need to consider the suggestions and identify next steps.
Dr Charles Shepherd, Honorary Medical Adviser to the ME Association says:
Having been contacted by a number of new MPs from all political parties since the general election, all of whom have expressed a genuine interest in helping people with ME/CFS, it's really good news to be able to announce that the APPG on ME has been reconstituted, held it's first meeting and made plans for 2025.
There are obviously some important developments taking place over the next few months, especially in relation to publication of the DHSC Delivery Plan and probable changes to welfare benefit eligibility and assessments. So it's vital to have an active all party parliamentary group working on ME/CFS at Westminster.
The MEA will continue to share the APPG on ME Secretariat duties with Action for ME.
Dr Charles Shepherd,
Trustee and Hon. Medical Adviser to the ME Association,
Member of the 2018-2021 NICE guideline on ME/CFS committee,
Member of the 2002 Chief Medical Officer's Working Group on ME/CFS
