Dear Ronald, 

I hope this email finds you well. We just wanted to update you on what we've been doing since handing the petition in.  While we didn't manage to meet the Prime Minister before he called an election on 4 July we have had some fruitful meetings with other politicians to discuss the charter. 

Our meeting with Health Secretary, Victoria Atkins in April was largely positive, although she wasn't aware of the low number of specialist nurses or neurologists. We were pleased she told her civil servants to look into the shortage of Parkinson's nurses and explore the government's investment into Parkinson's research.

We also met with the Shadow Disabled People's Minister Vicky Foxcroft, who while she had to leave so she could vote, took away the important message that a new government must ensure the Department for Work and Pensions is more compassionate and treats people with Parkinson's with respect and fairness.

Our final meeting before the election was announced was with the Shadow Science Minister Chi Onwurah. She didn't need persuading about the potential to develop home grown medical technology, and was keen to hear our arguments for greater investment in Parkinson's research.

So a promising start, which you can read about in detail. We plan to follow up when the new government takes office!

Until then, register to vote (deadline is tomorrow, 18 June), take your ID to the polling station on 4 July and thanks from all the Movers and Shakers and the team at Parkinson's UK, Cure Parkinsons and Spotlight YOPD. 

Mark Mardell

PS. Please subscribe to "Movers and Shakers”, our podcast about Parkinson’s