Bathgate and Linlithgow MP commits to speaking up for MS community in parliament
Bathgate and Linlithgow MP Kirsteen Sullivan has committed to speaking up for the MS community in the UK Parliament.
Kirsteen attended a Parliamentary event hosted by the MS Society, to learn about issues facing the multiple sclerosis (MS) community as part of MS Awareness Week which runs from April 28 to May 4.
The event – which followed the government's recently announced plans to change disability benefits – saw MPs from across the political spectrum meet with people affected by MS.
They were also joined by familiar faces including comedian Ivo Graham, legendary R&B artist Junior Giscombe and former Lioness captain Mary Phillip.
Kirsteen said: 'I'm proud to join the MS Society in speaking up for the MS community. Working in collaboration with the charity, I look forward to drawing attention to the challenges that people with MS face and calling for change.'
Dr Sarah Rawlings, Executive Director of Research and External Affairs at the MS Society, added: 'We're so glad that Kirsteen joined us in Parliament today to learn more about the reality of living with MS. The condition can be debilitating, exhausting and unpredictable, and almost half of those affected rely on PIP to help maintain their independence.
'So it's vital we work closely with MPs from across Parliament to highlight issues like access to effective treatments, disability benefits and the impact of the government's welfare changes.
'We look forward to working with Kirsteen to raise these topics in Parliament, and champion the voices of the MS community. With her help, we can bring MS to the forefront of political conversations and make real change.'
Over 150,000 people live with MS in the UK, including 17,406 in Scotland. The condition affects the brain and spinal cord, impacting how people move, think and feel.
Symptoms are different for everybody and often invisible. But once diagnosed, MS stays with you for life, and over time your symptoms can get worse.
Many people with MS rely on disability benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to help manage the extra costs of their condition.
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