Liberal Democrat MP, Tom Gordon, Calls on Government for Greater Medical Research Funding in Yorkshire

On Wednesday 16th October, Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, pressed the Secretary of State during Science, Innovation, and Technology oral questions. He called for steps to ensure that medical research and development funding is distributed more equitably across the country. He also took the opportunity to commend Yorkshire Cancer Research, a charity based in his constituency, for its vital work.

During a recent visit to Yorkshire Cancer Research, Tom learned about the charity’s groundbreaking achievements over the past century, including the development of life-extending cancer treatments like tamoxifen, a breast cancer drug. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this work is particularly relevant. 

While praising Yorkshire Cancer Research’s contributions, Tom emphasised that greater progress could be made if research funding were more evenly distributed. Although Yorkshire accounts for over 8% of the UK population, only 4.9% of medical research and development takes place there. This disparity is especially concerning given that Yorkshire has one of the highest cancer rates in England. 

Tom said: 

‘I am pleased to have raised this critical issue with the Secretary of State. It makes no sense that northern areas like Yorkshire receive less funding for medical research and development compared to southern regions, especially considering the North faces far greater health inequalities. 

‘As Yorkshire Cancer Research demonstrates, the North has enormous potential for health research. The government must urgently recognise this and take action to ensure a fairer, more equitable distribution of funding.’

ENDS