APPG’s are formed by MPs and Peers in order to pursue a particular important topic. The goal of the APPG on IBD will be to raise awareness of Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and other forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease to ensure high quality, sustainable, patient-centred clinical care, drive pioneering research and reduce discrimination in accessing services across the UK.
The APPG has been co-ordinated by Crohn’s & Colitis UK Parliamentary intern Euan Macfarlane.
Having had Crohn’s Disease since I was 16, I know how tough having IBD can be. I really feel that the APPG has the potential to make a difference to the lives of others with the condition.
When Parliament returns after the General Election in June, the APPG will be looking into how IBD affects the employment and working life of those living with the condition, and their ability to access benefits when necessary. This work will follow on from Crohn’s & Colitis UK’s response to the Improving Lives: The Work, Health and Disability Green Paper, where we had over 5,200 responses to an online survey on these proposals.
It’s great to be joined by dedicated Parliamentarians to launch the group. I look forward to working with my fellow APPG members to make sure Parliament plays its part to improve the lives for those who live with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Melanie Onn MP
Group Chairperson
The groups meeting was delayed from the previous month due to the terrorist attack on the Houses of Parliament on 22 March, Euan said:
It shook us all, but my colleagues and I were determined we would not be prevented from carrying out this important work.
You can read Euan’s powerful account of the day on his Facebook blog:
