A Silent Emergency: Why Brain Tumours Took Centre Stage in the House of Lords

Brain tumours are one of the most devastating yet significantly underfunded types of cancer, and they were thrust into the parliamentary spotlight on 24 November, when Baroness Merron opened a significant debate in the House of Lords. Peers from across the political

spectrum shared powerful personal testimonies, challenged the government’s pace of progress, and urged meaningful investment in research. The discussion marked an important moment in the growing campaign to address the long-neglected crisis of brain tumour diagnosis, treatment, and survival in the UK.

This renewed political focus coincides with momentum behind the Rare Cancers Bill, a piece of legislation that could fundamentally reshape the research and treatment landscape for rare and complex cancers.

What Is the Rare Cancers Bill?

The Rare Cancers Bill was approved by the House of Commons in July 2025.

The Rare Cancers Bill, introduced by Dr Scott Arthur MP, aims to overhaul how the UK approaches research and treatment for rare cancers. The bill proposes incentives to

encourage innovation, a national disease registry to improve data collection, and mechanisms to ensure patients can be easily contacted about relevant clinical trials. With strong support from charities, clinicians and patient advocates, the bill has passed its second reading in the House of Commons and is now heading to the House of Lords for further scrutiny- offering hope to thousands of families affected by conditions that currently receive limited research attention.

Brain Tumours: An Urgent and Underfunded Crisis

Baroness Merron opened the debate by highlighting government investment and the upcoming NIHR brain tumour research consortium. But peers quickly stressed that the scale of the challenge remains immense.

Baroness Mattinson delivered one of the most hard-hitting interventions, pressing the government on why the UK lags behind comparable nations:

“Brain cancer is now the biggest killer of children and adults under the age of 40 in the UK… She [Georgie Maynard] wants to know why the UK’s brain cancer survival rate ranks only 22nd out of 29 wealthy nations, why just 1% of the cancer research budget is allocated to brain cancer, and why only 12% of people with a brain tumour are able to participate in trials.”

Her words underscored a central theme: despite the severity of the disease, brain tumour research consistently receives a fraction of the investment directed at other cancers.

Lord Patel echoed this urgency, urging the government to do significantly more:

“We need much more research than the numbers mentioned by the Minister… £30 million, £40 million or even £50 million will not do.”

Others highlighted the critical issue of early diagnosis. Lord Sharpe of Epsom shared his son’s experience:

“In the UK between 40% and 60% of brain tumour diagnoses happen after the patient has arrived at A&E, having often been misdiagnosed… That is a much worse outcome than many for other cancers.”

These statements painted a stark picture of a system struggling to recognise symptoms early enough and to fund meaningful progress.

A Moment of Honesty and Humanity: The Lord Bishop of Leeds

One of the most striking contributions came from honorary patron of Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity, The Lord Bishop of Leeds, Nick Baines, who spoke candidly about his own brain tumour diagnosis, which he revealed in his online blog, Musings of a Restless Bishop:

“In the last nine months I have had a brain tumour – benign but growing – dealt with by gamma knife surgery. Then more recently minor heart surgery after a problem emerged.

His mixture of gratitude and humour brought a moment of humanity to the debate:

“I was diagnosed with a benign tumour and the treatment was exemplary. On the real upside of this, I have a lot of documentary evidence that I have a brain.”

His intervention was met with warmth and light-heartedness from Baroness Merron, who replied:

“I have never doubted that about the right reverend… I am glad that he has benefited so well from it.”

But beneath the humour was a serious point echoed throughout the chamber: excellent care exists, but access to it, and investment in improving it, must be expanded.

Calls to Support Families and Improve Awareness

Peers also focused on the emotional and social effects of brain tumours. Lord Kamall highlighted how the symptoms themselves can lead to stigma and isolation:

“Even when someone is diagnosed with a brain tumour, those very symptoms sometimes lead to misunderstandings among friends and family members… can the Minister outline what steps… are taking to raise awareness?”

This call for better communication, both clinically and publicly, reinforced the message that care must extend beyond treatment alone.

Why This Debate Matters

This House of Lords debate was more than a policy discussion: it was a rare moment of shared vulnerability and determination. Members spoke openly about personal experiences, challenged systemic failings, and demanded a more ambitious national approach.

For charities, clinicians, and families affected by brain tumours, this visibility is invaluable. Political acknowledgment, and the honesty shown by peers, can drive the structural change that has been lacking for decades.

With the Rare Cancers Bill gathering support and the government preparing a new national cancer plan, there is reason for cautious optimism. Progress demands urgency, investment, and leadership, and the debate on 24 November suggests a growing willingness to meet that challenge.

We Welcome This Growing Awareness

We are thrilled to see such open, honest advocacy for brain tumour patients in Parliament. Every personal story shared in the Lords helps push this issue higher up the national agenda. Greater awareness leads to better research, better policy, and ultimately, better outcomes for the people and families affected by this devastating disease.