Local MP tables Parliamentary Motion to Raise awareness of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Local MP tables Parliamentary Motion to Raise awareness of Inflammatory Bowel Disease  

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) in Parliament to mark World IBD Day – a global initiative aimed at raising awareness of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Tom tabled the EDM to show support for the Crohn’s and Colitis community and help tackle the widespread misunderstanding and stigma surrounding these conditions.

More than 500,000 people in the UK live with Crohn’s or Colitis, and around 25,000 new diagnoses are made each year. Despite these high numbers, awareness remains low, and many people face unnecessary challenges due to lack of understanding.

IBD conditions are typically lifelong and invisible, with no known cure. Those affected often endure significant physical, emotional, and social difficulties, including painful flare-ups, fatigue, and isolation.

This year’s World IBD Day focuses on courage—celebrating the strength it takes to manage unpredictable symptoms, navigate diagnosis, and cope with the daily realities of living with the condition.

In the EDM, Tom expressed his gratitude for Crohn’s & Colitis UK for their ongoing work in raising awareness and supporting those affected. He also called on the Government to ensure better public understanding, increased research funding, and improved care and support for everyone affected by Crohn’s and Colitis in the UK. 

Tom has previously spoken up for people with Crohn’s and Colitis in Parliament, particularly in light of recent changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP). He challenged the 

Government on how these changes will affect people with fluctuating conditions, who already face difficulty accessing PIP and Carer’s Allowance. Crohn’s & Colitis UK has raised serious concerns that the proposed welfare reforms could make life even harder for those living with IBD. 

Commenting, Tom said: 

‘Far too often, people living with Crohn’s and Colitis are overlooked or misunderstood. These are invisible, lifelong conditions that affect every part of a person’s life—physically, emotionally, and socially.

‘Living with IBD can be incredibly challenging, especially when facing stigma, unpredictable symptoms, and a support system that too often falls short.

‘I tabled this motion to stand with the Crohn’s and Colitis community and to urge the Government to do more—through better awareness, increased research funding, and improved care and support.’ 

ENDS