Political Papers

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MSPs and ME Matters: A Guide to Parliamentary Engagement (July 2010)

Summary: This document, prepared by Helen Brownlie on behalf of the 25% ME Group, serves as a guide for lobbying Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) on issues related to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Key highlights include: Purpose: The guide lists MSPs who have shown interest or involvement in ME-related matters, including participation in parliamentary events,…

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Open Letter to Standards Committee: Concerns Over Cross Party Group on ME

Summary: This document, dated September 25, 2012, addresses concerns regarding the Cross Party Group (CPG) on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) in Scotland. Key points include: Vote on Remit: A vote held on September 19, 2012, overwhelmingly supported focusing the CPG on neurological ME. However, within 24 hours, an email circulated proposing a second vote, raising questions…

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Parliamentary Business and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: Scottish Progress to July 2010

Summary: This document explores the Scottish Parliament’s work on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) advocacy and policy, spanning petitions, parliamentary debates, and progress reports. Key points include: Petition by Cross Party Group: Lodged in October 2001, the petition called for a strategic needs review, accurate data collection on ME/CFS patients, and the establishment of a center of…

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The End of the Cross Party Group on ME: A Reflection by Tymes Trust

Summary: This document reflects on the closure of the Cross Party Group (CPG) on ME in the Scottish Parliament, highlighting key events and controversies. Key points include: Voting and Controversy: The CPG convenor initiated a vote on establishing a specialist ME clinic versus ME/CFS fatigue clinics. Tymes Trust was tasked with preparing voting options, which…

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Scottish Parliamentary Business in ME: Progress and Challenges to July 2010

Summary: This document provides an overview of the Scottish Parliament’s engagement with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) up to July 2010, focusing on petitions, debates, and advocacy efforts. Key points include: Cross Party Group (CPG) Petition: Lodged in October 2001, the petition called for a strategic needs review, a center of excellence for ME/CFS, and improved GP…

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Timeline of ME in Cross Party Group: A Decade of Advocacy and Progress

Summary: This document outlines the efforts of the Cross Party Group (CPG) on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) in Scotland over a decade, focusing on healthcare improvements and advocacy. Key milestones include: 2000-2001: The CPG was established, and a petition with 17,721 signatures was presented to the Public Petitions Committee, urging a strategic review of ME/CFS needs,…

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Genetic Research and DecodeME Study

Summary: The document outlines the UK Government’s efforts to investigate genetic risk factors associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Key points include: DecodeME Study: A £3.2 million research initiative funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and the Medical Research Council. This study aims to analyze…

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ME in Wales: Summer Update 2012

Summary: The report highlights advocacy efforts and community engagement for ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) in Wales during 2012. Key points include: Political Advocacy: Julie Morgan, Assembly Member for North Cardiff, attended a support group meeting in November 2012. She listened to patients’ concerns about the lack of services, understanding, and challenges in accessing benefits. She invited…

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ME in Northern Ireland: Challenges and Advocacy (December 2012)

Summary: The report sheds light on the struggles faced by over 7,000 ME patients in Northern Ireland as of December 2012. Key points include: Healthcare Services: NHS services for ME patients were described as poor and worsening. Specialist care was limited, with key personnel retiring or leaving the field, and remaining consultants focusing on diagnosis…