As part of the reshuffling of the cabinet last night it was announced that George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk, is returning to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) as Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation.
At Brain Tumour Research we very much welcome this reappointment.
Our Head of Stakeholder Relations, Hugh Adams, had a lengthy call with the minister – pictured right with his constituent and brain tumour patient Stuart Grant, whom he met in February – earlier in the year.
Hugh said: “Back in April 2016 following a Westminster Hall debate on brain tumour research triggered by our government e-petition, George convened a Task and Finish working group in the Department of Health to look into the matter in greater depth. The resultant report was significantly influential in the 2018 announcement of ring fencing of £40 million in funding to be invested through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) over the next five years.
“George was disappointed when we updated him on the allocation of this money and resolved to see what he could do to improve the situation. He has made clear that he aims to put the UK at the forefront of brain tumour fight. We look forward to supporting him in that ambition.”