MPs to debate a petition relating to research into childhood cancers

• Watch the debate (from 4:30pm, Monday 7 December) 
• Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate) 
• Follow the Committee on Twitter and join the discussion using #ChildhoodCancerDebate 

The debate will be led by Petitions Committee member Tonia Antoniazzi MP. MPs from all parties can take part, and a Minister from the Department for Health and Social Care will respond on behalf of the Government. 

Fund research for childhood cancers with the worst survival rates 

The petition, which has more than 109,000 signatures, states: "Twelve kids in the UK are diagnosed with cancer daily. One in five will die within five years, often of the deadliest types like DIPG (brainstem cancer) - fatal on diagnosis and other cancers on relapse. Yet there has been little, or no, funding for research into these cancers and little, or no, progress."

In response to the petition, the Government said: "In May 2018 the Government announced £40 million over five years for brain tumour research as part of the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission. This includes funding for childhood brain tumour research." 

What are petitions debates? 

Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers. 

Further information

• Find out more about the role of the Petitions Committee
• Find out more about select committees

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