Chris Evans, the Member of Parliament for Caerphilly, and Ellie James will meet with Ashley Dalton MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention at the UK Government, to discuss the Owain’s Law campaign.
The Minister agreed to meet Mr. Evans during a Westminster Hall debate the Caerphilly MP led this morning on the motion ‘That this House has considered the potential merits of equal patient access to tissue freezing for advanced brain cancer treatment, diagnostics and research’.
Opening the debate, Mr. Evans drew attention to the case of Owain James, from Caerphilly, who died in June 2024 at the age of 35 after a glioblastoma tumour was found in his brain. As part of his treatment, brain tissue was removed but only a small amount was kept in a way which could have limited options for further treatment.
His widow, Ellie James, is campaigning for Owain’s Law which would require NHS hospitals freeze suitable brain tumour tissue the right way, and guarantee that the tissue stays the patient’s property under informed consent.
Mr Evans called on the UK Government to work with the Welsh Government and use the UK Government’s upcoming National Cancer Plan in England to introduce more freezers to improve frozen tissue capacity, change attitudes and guidance protocols to make tissue freezing the routine option, clarify the law around tissue ownership, and ensure that people receive a full range of cancer treatment access regardless of where they live.
Mr. Evans said, “Brain cancer is cruel, and one of the deadliest diseases. Patients should not face unacceptable and avoidable barriers to their survival due to outdated and inconsistent practices.
“I am pleased to have been able to lead a debate on Owain’s Law in Parliament, and I want to thank Ellie again for her determination in leading this powerful campaign.
“I look forward to meeting the Minister with Ellie in due course to explore what can be done to make the changes the Owain’s Law campaign are asking for, to help improve cancer outcomes across the UK.”
