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Written Question
Brain: Tumours
Wednesday 17th December 2025

Asked by: John Lamont (Conservative - Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk)

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps is his Department is taking to ensure brain tumour patients have timely access to whole genome sequencing.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Genomic testing is delivered through the NHS Genomic Medicine Service via seven regional NHS Genomic Laboratory Hubs (NHS GLHs). Testing follows the National Genomic Test Directory, which includes whole genome sequencing (WGS) for neurological tumours, including primary brain cancers. NHS England has produced national sample handling guidance for WGS of solid tumours, including brain tumours, to maintain DNA quality and improve access to WGS by standardising the collection, processing, and transport of samples. Approaches to the handling of fresh tissue have also been reviewed to speed up processes. In 2025/26, NHS England is continuing its Cancer Genomics Improvement Programme to deliver quality improvement initiatives, education, local engagement, and the establishment of Cellular Pathology Genomic Centres to streamline cancer genomics pathways and accelerate genomic testing. These approaches are addressing variability and ensuring equitable regional access to WGS for brain tumour patients. NHS England monitors performance through Patient Level Contract Monitoring data and works with NHS GLHs to address variation and drive improvements.

Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 20 Oct 2022
Motor Neurone Disease

"Motor neurone disease is an incredibly cruel and scary illness. It can strike anyone at any time. It can knock young and healthy people down in their prime. What makes this disease so frightening is the fear of the unknown. There is no cure for it. We do not know …..."
John Lamont - View Speech

View all John Lamont (Con - Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) contributions to the debate on: Motor Neurone Disease
Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 20 Oct 2022
NHS Dentistry

"The dental services that my constituents use are the responsibility of the Scottish Government in Edinburgh. My comments will focus on the challenges that we face in Scotland in accessing NHS dentistry.

I begin by thanking the dentists in my constituency, who are doing the best they can and working …..."
John Lamont - View Speech

View all John Lamont (Con - Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) contributions to the debate on: NHS Dentistry
Written Question
Monkeypox: Scotland
Thursday 26th May 2022

Asked by: John Lamont (Conservative - Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk)

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assistance his Department is providing to Public Health Scotland on the outbreak of monkeypox.

Answered by Maggie Throup

Experts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are working with Public Health Scotland to provide support in managing the case recently identified. The UKHSA is working with public health agencies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to provide the latest scientific, clinical and public health advice on the management of cases and coordinate the response across the United Kingdom.

Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 26 Apr 2022
Childhood Cancer Outcomes

"My hon. Friend is speaking remarkably passionately about this important issue, about which many of my constituents have been in touch with me. They include Julie and her son George, and Leah and her son Toby—both children are suffering and living with cancer. Does my hon. Friend agree that much …..."
John Lamont - View Speech

View all John Lamont (Con - Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) contributions to the debate on: Childhood Cancer Outcomes
Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 18 Jan 2022
Oral Answers to Questions

"T6. I was delighted by the recent announcement of £50 million for motor neurone disease research, which my constituent Doddie Weir campaigned for tirelessly. Will the Secretary of State update the House on the steps being taken to allocate those funds, and to ensure that is done as quickly as …..."
John Lamont - View Speech

View all John Lamont (Con - Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions
Speech in Commons Chamber - Fri 26 Nov 2021
Covid-19 Update

"I commend the Government for the speed with which they have taken this decision and I welcome the Scottish Government’s following suit, because in the past there has been concern about the lack of consistency across the UK. Does the Health Secretary agree that this is a useful reminder that …..."
John Lamont - View Speech

View all John Lamont (Con - Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) contributions to the debate on: Covid-19 Update
Written Question
Coronavirus: Screening
Wednesday 3rd November 2021

Asked by: John Lamont (Conservative - Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk)

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the cost to the Government of providing covid-19 testing in Scotland.

Answered by Maggie Throup

We are unable to provide the information requested as it is commercially sensitive.

Speech in Westminster Hall - Mon 01 Nov 2021
Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

"It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair this afternoon, Mr Mundell. I associate myself with your remarks and those of others during this debate about our colleague Sir David Amess, and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife and kids at this very difficult time.

…..."
John Lamont - View Speech

View all John Lamont (Con - Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) contributions to the debate on: Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Speech in Commons Chamber - Fri 29 Oct 2021
Menopause (Support and Services) Bill

"I congratulate the hon. Lady on all her work on the Bill. My question is about the UK-wide aspect. Clause 1 applies only to England—prescriptions are free in Scotland—but clause 2 applies across the entirety of the United Kingdom. There is a duty to consult Scottish Ministers. If the policy …..."
John Lamont - View Speech

View all John Lamont (Con - Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) contributions to the debate on: Menopause (Support and Services) Bill