General Election: Doing whatever it takes to get cancer on the agenda

It’s now been six weeks since that rainy afternoon when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak surprised everyone (well, almost everyone) by announcing a summer election. With so many issues grappling for limited airtime, we knew we needed to do all we could to get cancer care on the agenda of both politicians and the media, and make sure whoever forms the next government know quality cancer care is a priority for the UK public. 

Within minutes of the election being announced, we started our response on social media and since then we’ve been helping thousands of you to email all your local candidates and ask them to champion cancer care in the next Parliament – remarkably you've contacted candidates in 91% of all UK constituencies, with well over 100 responding to your requests too. If you’ve had a reply from a candidate, please do forward it to our team: campaigns@macmillan.org.uk

 

As well as those big moments, we’ve been right there responding whenever cancer has (or hasn’t!) been part of this election journey – and offering our platforms to some of you, our campaigners, to share your own powerful experiences with the world. Whether it was the fleeting mention of cancer in the first TV debate or the publication of shocking new Cancer Waiting Times data when we were able to profile the experiences of mother and daughter, Rosemary and Jackie.  

We’ve also joined coalitions to unite on vital issues, such as with Trussell Trust and Joseph Rowntree Foundation as part of their ‘Essentials Guarantee’ campaign, calling for the basic rate of Universal Credit to at least cover the cost of essentials like food, household bills and travel costs. 

On Thursday 4 July, the UK will head to the polls. Whoever wins this election, they’ll have a long to-do list of promises to deliver on, but together we can make sure improving cancer care is high on their priority list. 

We’ll be following up with MPs and Ministers as they’re appointed and be identifying key ways we can influence them together in the coming months. Below are three things you can do to help now.

Together, we can keep cancer on the agenda for the next government, and see cancer care transformed so everyone, wherever or whoever they are, gets the very best support. Here’s three ways you can help:   

1. Join our campaign network 

In the weeks following the results, we’ll be sharing easy, simple steps you can take to make cancer care a priority for the next government. Simply sign up to our short email updates today and you’ll be the first to hear how you can help. 

2. Share your story 

Do you have a story to share about how cancer has affected you? Telling your story - as much or as little as you are comfortable with - can help others feel less alone, and even help influence the next government to improve cancer services. Whether your cancer care or treatment has been impacted by delays or underfunding, or you're an NHS professional struggling to keep up – we would love to explore how we can work together and help make a difference. Email us at campaigns@macmillan.org.uk 

3. Make your vote count! 

Make sure you vote on 4 July. Polling stations are open 7am-10pm. If you have a medical emergency, disability or have lost your photo ID – and you’re in England, Scotland or Wales – you may be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote until 5pm on the day of the election. 

Got questions? We want to hear from you! Email us at campaigns@macmillan.org.uk. 

This information was written by the Advocacy team and edited by our Digital Content team.

Learn more about the campaign work we do to influence governments and shape policy.