Parkinson's UK at the 2026 party conferences

We met with 26 Members of Parliament (MPs) across all 3 parties, including the secretary and shadow secretary of state for health, and 9 ministers and shadow ministers across 5 government departments.

Getting Parkinson's on the agenda

We spoke with ministers and MPs about why it's vital that Parkinson's is included in upcoming plans for health and social care.

With the Health Bill currently going through Parliament, we want to make sure that:

• a secure single patient record ends the current need for people with Parkinson's to constantly repeat their medical history when they see different health and care professionals
• an independent patient advocacy organisation like Healthwatch England:
  • is maintained
  • has the appropriate resources to represent the interests of the Parkinson's community
  • includes clinical expertise and leadership in decision-making, especially in specialist commissioning.

Fairer benefits

We updated MPs on our intensive work with a group of people with Parkinson's who have experience of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

We also shared our reflections on the interim report on the Timms Review of PIP, and how vital it is that people living with the condition can access the financial support they need.

Find out more about our benefits campaign.

Social care reform that works

We outlined the work we're doing on social care to gather the experiences and views from the Parkinson's community. We need a system that makes sure:

• social care staff are properly trained to care for those with the condition
• people with the condition get accurate care assessments
• there's better communication between the NHS and social care providers, so people with Parkinson's aren't forgotten about
• it can be funded sustainably.

Fixing Blue Badges in England

We met with MPs to present our report on England's failing Blue Badge system and demand a fairer, more consistent application process nationwide.

We also shared that many councils are falling short in their services and asked for their support to put them under pressure to make urgent improvements.

Find out more about our Blue Badge campaign.

Tasha Burgess, Public Affairs Lead, said:

"We had so many productive conversations with MPs and ministers about our campaigns. We secured helpful commitments from MPs who agreed to request a debate on Blue Badges, and to press the government to scrap their plans to abolish Healthwatch. Now, we are chasing up the activity promised and ensuring the positive reception we received translates into action."