B

Baroness Merron (Lab)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 9 February 2026

Debate

National Cancer Plan

Contribution

The noble Baroness makes a very good point, particularly as we are in what I regard as a whole new area of scientific and technological advancement, and we have the chance to harness it. In general terms, I can say to the noble Baroness that where, for example, there are regulatory problems with getting new treatments out there, we are working to remove all those blocks. That work is going on. With regard to genomics, the plan does talk about routine genomic testing to match patients to targeted therapies and trials, and it also talks about investment in AI-guided radiotherapy, in cell therapy and in novel immunotherapies. There is also going to be the establishment of a cancer trial accelerator programme by next year, to increase trial access and speed. My last point, which I hope will be helpful, is that six national research priorities are established, including early detection, mRNA vaccines, rare cancers and paediatric therapies. I take the point that the noble Baroness is making. The cancer plan addresses that, as well as seeking to remove blocks that should not be there.

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