The “Inquiry into the status of CFS/ME and research into causes and treatment” was published in November 2006. Named “The Gibson Report” Dr Ian Gibson MP explains that this was never intended as a scientific report. It was a political report that was intended to make people sit up and think about the diverse range of problems – benefits, services and lack of biomedical research that are associated with ME, and in turn try to change the whole perception of the illness.

The report was widely welcomed but with a number of reservations concerning lack of detail on some key sections including those on children, benefits information and vaccinations.
A summary of the key points from this report can be seen at both national ME websites
www.afme.org.uk and www.meassociation.org.uk

A meeting was held at the House of Commons on the 6th February to review the report and examine how it can be used to influence those making crucial decisions regarding benefits, management and research.

Dr Gibson also announced he was putting together an early day motion (EDM) on ME – the wording to be finalised. He hoped people would do all they could to get their MP’s interested and signed up when it appears.

ME North East will certainly be lobbying regionally, and you can play your part by visiting the www.meassociation.org.uk site to check on when this goes live.