Stephen Timms MP has tabled an EDM (Early Day Motion) in Parliament on behalf of #MEAction urging NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) to review its guideline on ME.

What is an Early Day Motion?

EDM’s are formal motions submitted for debate in the House of Commons. Although these are rarely debated, EDMs allow MPs to draw attention to a specific event or cause. MPs register their support by signing individual motions, much like a petition.

Why is this so important?

When NICE proposed not to update their guideline for ME (CG53) the shock waves galvanised the ME community into action. ME charities and patient organisations submitted evidence to NICE unanimously urging for a full and urgent review. Over 15,000 patients supported this view in an ME Association petition

#MEAction has been talking to MP’s on why a full revision is so urgently needed and were delighted when Stephen Timms agreed to table our EDM (271).

With so much support for a full review from charities, individuals and now parliament, the pressure is mounting on NICE. It’s important we get as much support from MP’s as we possibly can.

Our call to Action

Thank you to those who have already contacted your MP. It is resonating well with MP’s. In less than a week, 22 MP’s from across eight political parties have already signed EDM 271 (at time of writing):

Now that we’re gaining the attention of MP’s we must maximise on it. MP’s are far more likely to sign if they understand the scale of the problem in their own constituency. They need to know how many of their constituents this affects but also the depth and breadth of the problem with current NHS treatment and its consequences.

What can I do?

If your MP has already signed EDM 271 – thank her/him and say why this is important to you.

If your MP isn’t listed, then do urge her/him to sign. New signatures are updated daily (Click here for the current list)

(No further updates are expected to be displayed until the next sitting day of Parliament on 9th October. Submissions can still be made.)

[NB Government ministers and PPS’s are unable to sign EDM’s but you can still alert them to it alongside your own story and our parliamentary briefing .]

See our easy guide on how to contact your MP including a template letter

We want MP’s to sign our EDM but also to fully understand the ongoing problems people with ME face so please do share your own story and our parliamentary briefing

What will this achieve ?

We want NICE to be aware that this is a huge area of concern for the ME community and that MP’s are aware and backing us on this. The more the better!

We want MP’s well informed of the dangers and consequences of GET/CBT . Regardless of NICE’s decision (expected October 2017) we are anticipating having to campaign further. We already know we have support. There is a lot that needs putting right when it comes to the understanding, care and management of people with ME (and their families). The signatures on the EDM gives us a good list of MP’s to start with!

October also sees the screening of Unrest in parliament.There has probably never been a more pivotal time for the ME community in the UK to be noticed. Lets make sure that the opportunity isn’t wasted!