General Election 2024: will you make your voice heard?

Blog
Published: 30 May 2024
The upcoming general election marks a critical moment in securing long-lasting change for people living with cancer. As a Macmillan supporter, here’s what you need to know. 
Profile photo of Miriam Moore, Senior Campaigns Adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support.

Miriam Moore Senior Campaigns Adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support

The Election Countdown 

It’s happening! In just five weeks, voters across the UK will head to the polls to elect our next government in what promises to be one of the biggest campaigning moments of the decade.   

Together, we have a real opportunity to ensure that quality cancer care is top of the agenda for our Parliamentary candidates. Each of us can play our part, and we’ll be with you each step of the way, providing practical ideas and resources to do just that. 

Our Mission: World-Class Cancer Care 

We want everyone living with cancer in the UK to receive the best care in the world.  

Putting the needs of people with cancer at the heart of everything we do, we’re on a mission to eliminate the gaps in cancer care so wherever you are and whoever you are, you get the very best.  

Cancer is so much more than a diagnosis and can touch every part of someone’s life, from their physical health and their mental health to their relationships, the clothes they wear, their finances and so much more. Their care must reflect this.

A Call to Action for the Next Government 

With the right commitments and action from new MPs, this General Election could be a critical opportunity to transform people's experience of living with cancer.

We want to see the next UK Government prioritise a long-term strategy that reimagines how we treat people with cancer. Not only treating the cancer, but the impact on every aspect of a person’s life, including healthcare, finances, work and housing, so that their care truly revolves around who they are and what they need.  Making sure they can access the right care and support every step of the way.

Together, with politicians and partners, we can revolutionise cancer care for people now and in the future. 

Transform how government responds to cancer

Sixth, healthcare can't fix itself in isolation and must be able to draw on the resources of other parts of government to recover. Cancer is more than just a health concern and fixing this crisis requires collaboration across multiple parts of government, from those who set budgets, strategies and policies to those who deliver services - and ultimately working in this joined-up way can also deliver better value for taxpayer’s money and produce results.