John Baron MP visits world-class research institute with Cancer Research UK

John in one of the laboratories, and with researchers and politicians – including Stephen Metcalfe MP

MP says UK fortunate to host the Francis Crick Institute

Last week, John Baron MP met scientists at the Francis Crick Institute in London to learn about their ground-breaking work into cancer. The Institute is one of the world’s largest single-site biomedical research facilities, capable of shaping the future of global health.

A partnership between Cancer Research UK, the Medical Research Council, Wellcome, UCL (University College London), King’s College London and Imperial College London, the Francis Crick Institute is dedicated to promoting collaborative research. Scientists there are researching some of the biggest threats to human health including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases and diabetes.

During the visit, John learnt about the research being carried out at the Francis Crick Institute into the biology and causes of cancer, and met Dr Barry Thompson to find out more about how his research into cancer could help ensure more patients survive the disease.

John said,

“Having visited the Francis Crick Institute in 2015 whilst it was under construction, it was excellent to see it now up and running. It is a fantastic and inspiring centre for disease research, and we are fortunate to have such a world-class institute in the UK. I look forward to keeping in touch with the team at the Crick, and with Cancer Research UK, in the coming years.”

“Meanwhile, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer will continue to campaign on behalf of cancer patients and their families, and to act as their ‘voice’ in Parliament. We are currently holding a wide-ranging inquiry into the NHS England’s Cancer Strategy, and will be launching our report at this year’s ‘Britain Against Cancer’ in December.”

Matt Davies, Head of Public Affairs at Cancer Research UK, said,

“We are really pleased that John was able to spend time finding out more about the value of investing in research.”

“Today, 1 in 2 people diagnosed with cancer in the UK survive their disease, but we need to do more. At Cancer Research UK, we are working to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people diagnosed with cancer survive the disease. In order to achieve this ambition it is crucial that the government continues to encourage and support research.”

“Support from MPs is vital to ensuring our work can continue and lead to ground-breaking discoveries that will benefit patients throughout the UK and beyond.”