With more than 100,000 people across the UK diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, please let me assure you that helping those suffering from this condition to lead as normal lives as possible remains a key commitment of the NHS.

I have been following with interest the experiences of people who have been prescribed Fampridine. In particular, I have read of the experiences of some individuals who took Fampridine during clinical trials, only to see it withdrawn when the trial ended. Improving mobility, and with it quality of life, is something I would expect those drawing up guidelines about the treatment of MS to prioritise. As I'm sure you are aware, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) is updating its guideline on multiple sclerosis, including to take account of new evidence on the effectiveness of Fampridine for treating mobility in people with multiple sclerosis, and this guidance is expected to be published on 1 June 2022. While this is ultimately a matter for NICE, I think it is important that NICE is aware of the strength of feeling about Fampridine and have ensured this is the case.

I am encouraged that since 2015, £150.6 million has been spent on Multiple Sclerosis research through the National Institute for Health Research and UK Research and Innovation. This funding demonstrates the commitment both of the Government and of the scientific research community to support people living with MS.