Clwyd South MP joins Jeremy Vine to demand fast-track benefit claims for people living with terminal illness

The MP for Clwyd South has joined BBC presenter Jeremy Vine and other campaigners to demand the UK Government fast-track benefit claims for people living with terminal conditions.

Susan Elan Jones, who has close links with many disability organisations, met the campaigners at a joint meeting in Parliament of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Terminal Illness, the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Marie Curie charity.

Speaking after the event, Ms Jones said: “At present, medical professionals have to say there’s a reasonable expectation of death within six months before people get access to certain benefits.

“The UK Government should scrap the six months rule and follow those other countries which have a fairer definition of terminal illness that’s based on clinical judgement, not a random and often inaccurate timescale.

“A sensible change wouldn’t cost the Government any more money. It would cut red tape and protect terminally ill people and their families in our area and across the country.”

Following the meeting in Parliament, Jeremy Vine ‘tweeted’ his thanks to the Clwyd South MP for her commitment to the work of the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Marie Curie charity.

A pleasure. It’s a really important campaign. https://t.co/GXydbXzoQv

— Susan Elan Jones MP (@susanelanjones) July 4, 2019