Each month, Brevia Health’s Disease Profile Tracker examines the Top 20 diseases[1] discussed in the UK Parliament. This offers a unique insight into which diseases are being examined by UK Parliamentarians and advocacy initiatives that can trigger interest.
In November 2025, Parkinson’s disease stood out as one of the most frequently mentioned conditions examined by UK Parliamentarians. Our insight is set out below, but if you require more detailed analysis and guidance on advocacy initiatives that deliver results, please contact Brevia Health (+44 (0)20 7091 1655 or email contact@breviahealth.com).
A Spike in Parliamentary Activity
Parkinson’s was mentioned nearly three times more often in November than its usual monthly average, making it one of the most prominent diseases discussed this month.
The increase was largely driven by a House of Commons debate on Parkinson’s disease, brought forward by Paul Davies MP, following e-petition 713714 on increasing funding for people living with Parkinson’s and to implement the “Parky Charter”.[2]
What Did MPs Focus On?
The Commons debate highlighted widespread concern that Parkinson’s is increasingly under-supported, despite being one of the fastest-growing neurological conditions in the UK and globally. MPs from across the House raised four consistent themes:[3]
1. Delays and Inconsistency in Care
- Late diagnosis and the need for better GP awareness of Parkinson’s symptoms.
- Significant workforce shortages, including neurologists, specialist nurses, and allied health professionals.
- Inconsistent access to physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy.
2. Medication Safety
- Repeated concerns about medication timing in hospitals, which is critical for people with Parkinson’s and can significantly affect outcomes.
3. Social Care and Benefits
- Patchy access to social care.
- Benefits assessments, including PIP, which do not adequately reflect the fluctuating and progressive nature of Parkinson’s.
4. The Parky Charter
- Several MPs referenced the Parky Charter, a set of clear policy asks developed by people with Parkinson’s. The Charter helped structure the debate and provided a shared framework for change.
Cross-Party Consensus
Notably, the debate showed strong cross-party consensus.
MPs from all major parties recognised the urgency of improving Parkinson’s care and broadly supported the aims of the Parky Charter. There was a shared call for timely, coordinated, and compassionate care, rather than political point-scoring.
The Government Response
In response, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton MP, outlined current and planned actions from the Government, including:[4]
- Increased NHS and social care funding, with specific investment in neurology services.
- Work with Parkinson’s UK to improve how benefits assessments reflect fluctuating conditions.
- A 10-year NHS workforce plan to train more neurologists and specialists.
- Improved access to digital tools, information, and community-based support.
- Measures to improve medication timing in hospitals.
- Ongoing investment in research, clinical trials, and new treatments.
Why Was This Debate So Successful?
Based on Brevia Health’s tracking of Parliamentary activity, Parkinson’s disease in November 2025 provides a strong example of how diseases can gain and sustain political traction.
Key external drivers for the successful debate included:
- Strong, coordinated advocacy by Parkinson’s UK, providing MPs with evidence, patient stories and clear policy solutions.
- The influence of the Movers and Shakers podcast and the Parky Charter, which translated lived experience into memorable, practical policy demands.
- A non-partisan approach, focusing on practical improvements rather than political blame, making it easier for MPs across parties to engage and offer support.
Together, these factors helped move Parkinson’s to a clear parliamentary priority during November 2025.
What This Tells Us?
November 2025 shows how sustained campaigning, clear messaging and lived experience can dramatically increase parliamentary attention for a condition. For Parkinson’s, this translated into one of the highest monthly mention counts in 2025, according to Brevia Health’s Disease Profile Tracker.
As we continue parliamentary activity and successful advocacy campaigns, Parkinson’s offers a powerful case study in how health issues can reach and hold political attention.
[1] By cause of mortality as ranked by the Office for National Statistics’ monthly mortality analysis for England and Wales, The Office for National Statistics, ‘Monthly mortality analysis, England and Wales: December 2022’, link
[2] UK Parliament, ‘Parkinson’s Disease’, 17 November 2025, Link
[3] UK Parliament, ‘Parkinson’s Disease’, 17 November 2025, Link
[4] UK Parliament, ‘Parkinson’s Disease’, 17 November 2025, Link
