New Government new opportunities

Thank you for taking action during the general election. It has been an exciting time, click here for more on our Election Success.

You helped secure support from over 550 prospective candidates on our Pledge to breakthrough breast cancer. Of all the candidates who supported us, 101 were successfully elected as MPs.

Now turn their pledges into action to change lives and shape futures. Tailor the letter below to either thank your MP if they signed the pledge or secure their support and to make sure that breast cancer remains a priority.

Send a copy of your letter to advocacy@breakthrough.org.uk so that we can follow your campaign.

MP template letter

The new coalition Government has formed, and there will be changes to health service design and delivery ahead. Spending cuts have been announced and fortunately, the Department of Health is excluded. This is due to promised year-on-year increases in funding. However, the demand for services increases every year, which may impact how resources are allocated.

On 25 May, the Queen outlined new legislation for the next year. The new Health Bill will affect breast cancer services the most and will be introduced in October by the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley. This includes a proposal for the establishment of an independent NHS Board to allocate resources and provide commissioning guidance and to allow GPs to commission services on behalf of their patients.

The Government will is also planning to create a new public health service within the NHS, with incentives for GPs to improve the public health of their population and plans to work in partnership with charities and private organisations on public health and awareness.