Macmillan Cancer Support hosted its annual Coffee Morning in Parliament yesterday (10 November 2026), welcoming over 100 MPs and peers to highlight what fair cancer care can look like, what the current barriers are, and how we can work together to fix the unfair gaps in care and make things better for everyone.
Sponsored by Ashley Dalton MP, Helen Maguire MP and Baroness Coffey, the Coffee Morning brought together people living with cancer, community organisations and Macmillan professionals with parliamentarians to discuss priorities for the future of cancer care.
Steven McIntosh, Chief Partnerships Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Our Westminster Coffee Morning was an opportunity for parliamentarians to come together to show their support for people living with cancer and discuss what fair cancer care should look like for everyone.
“One in two of us will get cancer, and who you are and where you live can make that even harder. So, this National Cancer Plan must ensure we both reach people today with wraparound support, starting with those having the worst experiences, and revolutionise cancer care for the future.”
“We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and shared their experiences and ideas. By bringing people together, we can build a shared understanding of what needs to change and how we can work together to make cancer care fairer.”
Coffee Morning is Macmillan’s biggest annual fundraising event, with events taking place across the nation. Every Coffee Morning creates a moment for connection and helps raise vital funds to make sure every person with cancer gets the support they need, whoever and wherever they are.
The event yesterday provided an opportunity for parliamentarians to hear directly from people living with cancer. Lee, from Teesside, shared his moving story, describing how the physical and mental toll of his rare blood cancer diagnosis led him to hit rock bottom. He spoke about the vital support of his wife, whose encouragement prompted him to seek help and call the Macmillan Support Line. He also urged MPs to keep fair access to cancer care firmly on the parliamentary agenda.
Conversations in the room also focused on the delivery of the National Cancer Plan for England, including in a speech delivered by Ashley Dalton MP. The Plan is a critical opportunity to deliver fairer cancer care across the country. Following its publication in February 2026, Macmillan is advocating for the focus to now be on implementation, ensuring commitments on personalised care, reducing inequalities and neighbourhood health translate into meaningful improvements for people living with cancer.
Ashley Dalton, MP for West Lancashire, said, “I was honoured to sponsor this year’s Macmillan Coffee Morning in Parliament. We had a fantastic turnout and it’s great to see so much support for Macmillan’s work.
“As the new Advisor for the National Cancer Plan, it’s brilliant to see charities like Macmillan leading the way on driving forward the work within the Plan. We need everyone working together to make cancer care and treatment work for everyone in society.
“It was a pleasure to work with Macmillan when I led the work on the Plan, and it’s great to continue working in partnership for everyone affected by cancer.”
