Taunton and Wellington’s MP, Gideon Amos, has pledged to campaign on behalf of people suffering from multiple sclerosis – a condition which affected his mother.
Mr Amos attended a Parliamentary event hosted by the MS Society, to learn about issues facing the multiple sclerosis community and to promote MS Week, which runs until Sunday (May 4th).
The event – which followed the government’s recently announced plans to change disability benefits – saw MPs from across the political spectrum meet with people affected by MS.
Mr Amos said afterwards: “Having grown up with a Mum with MS who overcame so many obstacles and challenges, and having served as her main carer at several stages of her life, I know how relentless this incurable condition can be.
“I’m glad that local people have raised it with me and have recently replied to one letter from a resident who asks simply for MS to be better understood”.
“I’m very concerned about the proposed £5 billion cuts to disability benefits, the biggest on record.
“It’s the wrong approach – the government should help people recover their ability to enjoy life and go back to work, if they are able, and then see how much that benefits society and the economy, rather than cut first and find out later.
“Disabled people deserve better. Please support the MS Society this week in any way you can.
“I look forward to drawing attention to the challenges that people with MS face and working for the change that’s needed.”
Over 150,000 people live with MS in the UK, including more than 12,000 in the South West and an estimated 1,200 in and around Taunton and Wellington.
The condition affects the brain and spinal cord, impacting how people move, think and feel. Symptoms are different for everybody and often invisible.
But, once diagnosed, MS stays with you for life, and over time your symptoms can get worse.
Dr Sarah Rawlings, Executive Director of Research and External Affairs at the MS Society, said: “We’re so glad that Gideon joined us in Parliament to learn more about the reality of living with MS.
“The condition can be debilitating, exhausting and unpredictable, and almost half of those affected rely on PIP (Personal Independence Payment) to help maintain their independence.
“So it’s vital we work closely with MPs from across Parliament to highlight issues like access to effective treatments, disability benefits and the impact of the government’s welfare changes.
“We look forward to working with Gideon to raise these topics in Parliament, and champion the voices of the MS community.
“With his help, we can bring MS to the forefront of political conversations and make real change.”
To find out more about MS, and the MS Society’s work, visit www.mssociety.org.uk