MPs and peers yesterday demonstrated their support for UK medical research at a Westminster reception of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Medical Research.

The event showcased the UK’s excellent medical research base, including the significant contribution made by medical research charities. Guests heard about how by working together, government, charities and the health industries support medical researchers to develop treatments for patients, benefitting society and boosting the economy.

Representatives from many of the charities which fund medical research in the UK were present at the reception. Simon Denegri, Chief Executive, Association of Medical Research Charities, said:

‘I am delighted that so many MPs were able to attend the parliamentary reception today and see how patients and researchers are working together to improve the lives of millions of people through medical and health research. In recent years the public have really put their weight behind research, from giving money to charity to participating in important research such as clinical trials.

'The UK is second only to the Netherlands in the proportion of people who have donated to medical research and it is this sort of overwhelming support that has enabled medical research charities to fund over £1 billion of research in the last year alone. But it is important that we capitalise on the advances we have already made and this means the government joining with the public and backing the very best of British science with sound investment and the freedom to innovate.’

Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Chief Executive, Medical Research Council, said:

‘Medical Research Council-funded discoveries have led to some of the most important advances in medical knowledge of the last 100 years. We are acutely aware of our duty as a publicly-funded body to do everything in our power to fund excellent research and deliver results that will improve the public’s health. Today’s event is a clear example of how research funders across all sectors can come together and work towards expanding the UK research base and providing a sustainable framework that inspires long-term confidence in UK research.’

Professor Sir John Bell, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said:
 
‘The Academy welcomes this valuable opportunity for researchers, clinicians, parliamentarians and funders to meet in the unique setting of the Houses of Parliament. The Government must unite researchers across academia, the NHS, industry and the charitable sector, and engage with patients and the public to ensure the UK continues to generate world class medical science that is translated into health and wealth benefits.’

Aisling Burnand, Executive Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Cancer Research UK, said:

‘Charitably funded research is key to the UK’s global reputation as a leader in scientific and medical research. Charities fund life-saving research into conditions such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. This research depends on crucial Government support through initiatives such as the Charity Research Support Fund which enables charities to fund innovative and ground-breaking work. It is imperative that this support continues so that progress can be made in developing new treatments and saving lives.’

Sir Mark Walport, Director of the Wellcome Trust said:

‘Today's reception demonstrates the vibrancy of the medical research sector. The current financial climate means that there will be tough choices to be made, but continued Government support is vital to ensure that excellent researchers can continue to tackle the health challenges our society faces today - from pandemic flu to rising obesity. We must work together to make the most of the UK's most valuable resource - people and their brainpower.’

ENDS

20 July 2010

For media inquiries, please contact Becky Purvis, policy & public affairs manager, Association of Medical Research Charities on 020 7269 8828 /07738 014500.

Notes to Editors:

• The Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) is a membership organisation of the leading medical research charities in the UK.
• AMRC has 120 member charities that last year contributed £1.071 billion (not including capital expenditure, data from AMRC research expenditure database, 2009-10) to research into tackling diseases including heart disease, cancer and diabetes, as well as rarer conditions such as cystic fibrosis and motor neurone disease.
• The APPG on Medical Research was established in 2005 to provide an ongoing forum and network for Parliamentarians with an interest in medical research and the medical research sector. It is supported by AMRC, Academy of Medical Sciences, Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK and the Wellcome Trust, and is chaired by Lord Turnberg.