23rd October meeting update
Unfortunately, the APPG’s severe ME inquiry evidence session, scheduled for last Thursday, did not go ahead due to a limited number of MPs being in Parliament that day.
We are currently working to rearrange the session to ensure that the evidence session still goes ahead and will share further news on this once a new date has been secured.
Chair of the APPG, Jo Platt MP, shared the following update:
“Thank you to everyone who has shown such strong interest in the APPG inquiry into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). We deeply value your engagement and support.
The evidence session scheduled for last week unfortunately did not go ahead, as many MPs had returned to their constituencies on that day. While invitations were sent to all members, the session fell on a day without a three-line whip in Parliament. This meant MPs were not formally required to be in Westminster and typically use that time to meet with constituents. This was especially the case following a three-line whip the previous Thursday, which had already extended their time in Parliament.
It’s important to emphasise that this does not reflect a lack of commitment from MPs. I’ve had meaningful conversations with colleagues across the House about ME and the work of the APPG, and there is genuine interest and concern. The timing simply didn’t align.
We are working to reschedule the session as soon as possible and will keep you updated. Thank you again for your patience and continued advocacy.”
The next APPG meeting will be held on Thursday 23rd October. Invitations have been sent to all existing members of the APPG.
The meeting will continue on from the last evidence hearing session as part of the Groups Severe ME Inquiry. All members have been sent an evidence pack containing a variety of stories from people with lived experience of severe ME, and they will be discussing the evidence in this session.
A report will then be developed, outlining a number of recommendations supported by the APPG, focused on improving the care and support available for people living with severe ME. This report will be shared publicly.
If you have any suggested priorities for the upcoming year, please reach out through the Contact Us page.
Contact your MP
If your MP isn’t already a member of the APPG, now is the time to contact them and encourage them to attend the March meeting or join the APPG.
We reached out to all Members of Parliament to encourage them to join the APPG, but that nothing is as powerful as a personal request from one of their constituents.
It takes a few minutes and can make the world of difference.
Community updates
We want the APPG to be a strong voice for the ME community in Parliament. We will ensure the group’s activities and purpose are clearly communicated.
We will therefore be providing a detailed summary of each APPG meeting on these pages, clearly laying out what was discussed and any relevant actions that are developed.
We have also agreed that the #ThereForME campaign will assist us in sharing these updates, and others relating to the APPG’s work, to further increase reach and impact.