Successful Crohn's & Colitis UK debate in House of Commons

Whilst the debate was held in the smaller Westminster Hall debating chamber, it was a great chance for MPs to speak about the many issues that affect people living with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis in England. 

It also offered an opportunity to acknowledge the good practice that occurs in other nations of the UK, which could be of benefit to patients in England.

There was good representation and contributions from across the political spectrum. The issues discussed ranged from lack of awareness of Crohn’s and Colitis, concerns with diagnosis and referral, the need for more IBD nurses, research, access to toilets and prescription charges. 

In the debate, the Health Minister, Jane Ellison said of Crohn’s and Colitis UK:

“I pay tribute to its work as it campaigns tirelessly to raise the profile of Crohn’s and Colitis and to provide support and advice to all those affected. I hope it demonstrates to those watching and those who participated in such great numbers in the Facebook debate that Parliament is taking this issue seriously as we have filled the time available to us with various contributions.”

Crohn’s & Colitis UK were grateful for the in-depth and positive nature of the debate. This will give the charity a good platform to continue our engagement work with politicians and health professionals to work towards improving services for all those living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

If you missed the debate, watch it via the Parliament Live TV website. Alternatively you can read the transcript.

In preparation for the debate, and in conjunction with the House of Commons Digital Team, Crohn’s and Colitis UK asked our Facebook users three questions on their thoughts on issues with IBD.

We had an absolutely fantastic response with over 1,200 responses, many of them are very powerful and moving. The comments have been compiled by the House of Commons Digital Team.

Our thanks, once again, to the below MPs for attending the debate:

• Anne Main – MP for St Albans
• Jane Ellison – MP for Battersea & Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Public Health
• Andrew Gwynne – MP for Denton and Reddish & Shadow Public Health Minister
• Dr Philippa Whitford – MP for Central Ayrshire & SNP Health Spokesperson
• Corri Wilson – MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
• Karen Lumley – MP for Redditch
• Chris Evans – MP for Islwyn
• Christina Rees – MP for Neath
• Melanie Onn – MP for Great Grimsby
• Steve McCabe – MP for Birmingham, Selly Oak