22 Jul 2026 Policy

Can the new Scottish and Welsh parliaments turn ambition into progress for people affected by leukaemia?

In May this year, elections in Scotland and Wales set the course for Holyrood and the Senedd over the next five years. In Wales, Plaid Cymru replaced Labour as the largest party. Scotland, meanwhile, began a fifth term under the SNP.

Against a backdrop of rising cancer cases, and an NHS grappling with major challenges, health and cancer featured prominently in campaigns and manifestos across both countries. Both Governments must now turn that manifesto focus into action.

What then do these elections mean for people affected by leukaemia in Scotland and Wales?

What did the SNP commit to on cancer in Scotland?

The SNP’s manifesto includes welcome commitments that could improve earlier diagnosis and access to treatment and care for people affected by leukaemia. These include increasing the number of clinical trials, implementing “Isla’s Principles” (which require any child to be examined where there is a concern about cancer even if they appear well), community diagnostic clinics, health MOTs for over 40s, access to rural specialist care, and reforms to cancer referral and waiting-time standards.

These commitments are positive, but the Scottish Government must now provide clarity on how and when existing Scottish Cancer Strategy and Scotland’s Genomic Medicine Strategy commitments will be delivered, including progress and performance reporting, measures to track early diagnosis in non-stageable cancers, and priorities for the next phase of the cancer strategy.

Leukaemia UK will continue to work with the Scottish Government through direct engagement with cancer policy teams and our new membership of the Scottish Cancer Coalition. We will champion priorities such as making leukaemia a focus condition in the next Cancer Action Plan, improving access to clinical trials and delivering an optimal cancer diagnostic pathway for leukaemia.

You can read more about our priorities for Scotland in our report, Turning ambition into progress for people with leukaemia in Scotland.

What did Plaid Cymru commit to on cancer in Wales?

Wales has voted for significant change, with Plaid Cymru now in government and Reform UK in opposition. Both parties committed during campaigning to developing a long-term cancer strategy, something we and other charities called for.

Plaid’s manifesto includes positive proposals on early diagnosis (including Rapid Diagnostic Centres) travel support, care planning and delivery, data improvements and NHS estate investment, all of which could benefit people affected by leukaemia.

The Welsh Government must now provide clarity on delivery. Data improvements should be overseen by a dedicated taskforce with representation from patients and charities. Additionally, alongside a National Optimal Pathway (NOP) framework, an NOP for leukaemia must finally be commissioned.

However, there is more to be done for leukaemia patients. The plan should ensure access to essential tests and tailored treatment when patients need it. Both Scotland and England have also now committed to developing an alternative measure to track early diagnosis in cancers that cannot be staged – we hope that Wales will follow suit.

Leukaemia UK will continue to work with Welsh Government over the next five years, championing the priorities in our Wales report and pushing for faster diagnosis, better treatment access and improved outcomes for people affected by leukaemia.

What happens next?

Ambition alone will not deliver change but combined with collaboration, dedication and focus, it can be transformational. Leukaemia UK is ready to work with both Scottish and Welsh governments and opposition parties to support change and ensure accountability. We will continue to work with policy makers, patient communities, cancer patient organisations and coalitions, and clinical experts to develop policy and champion action that can deliver better outcomes for leukaemia patients.

Find out more about our priorities for leukaemia in Scotland and Wales in our reports:

Read the Scottish Report

Read the Welsh Report