MND Scotland launches Manifesto ahead of 2026 election

Ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections in May 2026, MND Scotland has appealed to the next Scottish Government to legislate and recognise the urgent statutory rights and needs of those with terminal illnesses like motor neuron disease (MND).

MND Scotland is calling on the next Government to deliver timely, fast-tracked support for everyone in Scotland living with MND.

MND is a rapidly progressing terminal illness, which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles. This may cause someone to lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink or breathe.

The charity is calling on the next government to deliver:

1. Invested in, and fast-tracked, housing and adaptations;

2. Fast- tracked social care;

3. Increased, targeted funding for neuro-progressive conditions.

Dr Jane Haley, interim CEO and Director of Research at MND Scotland, said:

“No one with a terminal illness should be spending the precious time they have left fighting to get the support they need to live safely and with dignity. But this is the situation facing too many with MND.

“Our 2026 manifesto highlights the rapid speed with which MND progresses, and the devastating impact this has on those with the illness. Statutory services – services which should be provided by law– particularly in areas such as housing and social care – are needed quickly, but too often these systems can’t keep up with the speed of deterioration, leaving people with MND and their families struggling .

“We want people to be able to focus on making memories with loved ones, and what matters to them.”