Our work in Parliament

We work with MPs and members of the House of Lords in the UK parliament in Westminster, as well as members of the Scottish and Welsh parliaments and the Northern Ireland Assembly on a cross-party basis. We make sure the voices of the Parkinson's community are heard across all levels of government.

We also provide administrative support (known as the secretariat) to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Parkinson's. 

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to know more about our work in parliament.

What is the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Parkinson's?

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Parkinson's is a cross-party group of MPs and peers with an interest in Parkinson's. Any member of any party across both Houses of Parliament can join.

The Group aims to raise awareness of the condition among parliamentarians and to influence legislation and policy-makers to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s, family, friends and carers.

Parkinson's UK provides administration support (known as the secretariat) to the APPG.

What are the priorities of the APPG for 2026?

In 2026, the APPG on Parkinson’s is focusing on influencing the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the government’s NHS workforce plan. 

They also supported World Parkinson’s Day and will table questions and raise Parkinson’s in debates in both Houses of Parliament. 

Who's on the APPG on Parkinson's?

Graeme Downie MP, Chair

Graeme Downie MP has represented Dunfermline and Dollar since July 2024. Read Graeme's full profile on the UK Parliament website.

Baroness Browning, Co-Chair

Baroness Browning has been a Conservative Member of the House of Lords since 2010. Read Baroness Browning's full profile on the UK Parliament website. 

David Burton-Sampson MP, Officer

David Burton-Sampson MP has been the Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh since 2024. Read David's full profile on the UK Parliament website. 

Steffan Aquarone MP, Officer

Steff Aquarone MP has been the Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk since 2024. Read Steffan's full profile on the UK Parliament website.

The Group's remit

The APPG's remit includes:

• keeping Parkinson's on the political agenda
• investigating, monitoring and reporting on issues and providing a forum for discussion
• exploring particular issues affecting the Parkinson's community in depth to highlight them and seek solutions through APPG inquiries
• exerting collective pressure with the ultimate goal of ensuring equal access to recommended appropriate health and social services to all people with Parkinson's and their carers
• providing regular briefings to members of the Group and other parliamentarians to ensure awareness of the needs of people with Parkinson's and their carers.

How can I join the APPG for Parkinson's?

If you're a parliamentarian and would like to join the APPG, please email [email protected].

The APPG for Parkinson's is listed on the official register of All-Party Parliamentary Groups.

What has the APPG done so far?

• Tabled questions in parliament on the Parkinson’s specialist workforce, prescription charges, benefits and transport.
• Raised issues with Ministers, including meeting with them. 
• Spoke in support of Graeme Downie MP’s debate on Parkinson’s and Paul Davies MP’s debate on care for people with Parkinson’s in May 2025.
• Highlighted our key issues in the Parky Charter debate in November 2025.
• In 2018, the APPG launched a report into mental health support for people with Parkinson's who experience anxiety or depression. Read the APPG's Mental health matters too report (PDF, 4MB). 
• In 2013, the APPG held an inquiry into NHS continuing healthcare in England and revealed huge failings with the system. Read the Group's Continuing to care? report (PDF, 3MB) detailing their findings.