Over 100,000 people in the UK live with MS, a neurological condition thataffects roughly three times as many women as men.It's essential that they have timely access to the right treatment, care and support, no matter where they live. Unfortunately, this is not happening. Awareness of the condition is abysmally low, and for people with MS, accessing the right support can be a daily battle.

Stephen commented "I am proud to be standing up for people affected by MS in the High Peak and elsewhere. A family member of mine suffers from, thankfully currently only mild, MS so it is a campaign I can relate to personally".

In Europe, just Poland and Romania have lower access to disease modifying treatments for MS than the UK. Between 2008 and 2013, over 90,000 disabled people lost access to care and support. More than a third of people with MShave been incorrectly placed in the Work Related Activity Group (WRAG) for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). People in this group receive less money, the threat of and many have this benefit removed after a year.

Stephen commented further "I find it particularly shocking that in Europe only Poland and Romania have lower access to disease modifying treatments for MS than the UK, and the huge number of MS sufferers (and those with other disabilities) who have lost access to care and support is a disgrace."

"If elected I would work to give MS a voice, fight for people with MS to access the care they need when they need it, fight to ensure that assessments for disability benefits work for people with MS and work to ensure that people with MS can access the right treatment at the right time."