Scottish Parliament to debate cholangiocarcinoma awareness
On Thursday 30 October 2025, the Scottish Parliament will host a debate about cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) to coincide with Liver Cancer Awareness Month.
The debate has been secured by Marie McNair, MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, following her attendance at AMMF’s Scottish Parliament (Holyrood) reception in June 2025. Marie’s motion about cholangiocarcinoma awareness, which will form the basis of the debate, has achieved cross-party support and can be read here: S6M-19085 | Scottish Parliament Website.
This debate in the Scottish Parliament follows on from Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, first raising the issue of a lack of funding for molecular profiling tests in a parliamentary debate on 8 October 2024. This issue was also raised in a motion by Stuart McMillan, MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, to recognise Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month 2025.
AMMF is calling on the Scottish Government to fund and implement a comprehensive genomic testing programme for cholangiocarcinoma, which was approved by NHS Scotland in 2023. Implementation of this testing programme will enable more people diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in Scotland to access potentially life-extending targeted treatments.
How to watch the debate
The debate is scheduled to take place from 5pm on Thursday 30 October 2025.
It will be streamed live online and available to watch as an on-demand recording at https://www.scottishparliament.tv/.
If you live in Scotland and would like to watch the debate in person, you can visit the Scottish Parliament and watch from the Public Gallery. It is recommended that you book a free ticket in advance on the Scottish Parliament website. You will need to select the “2:00pm” option, which will allow you access to the Public Gallery from 14:00 to 18:00.
AMMF would like your support
To show how important this topic is, we want as many Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) as possible to sign the motion and attend this debate.
If you live in Scotland, please contact your MSPs and ask them to sign the motion and join the debate in Parliament. Everyone in Scotland is represented by 8 MSPs. You can find your MSPs and email them all at once using https://www.writetothem.com/. We have written a template email for your use, below.
Dear [MSP’S NAME],
I am writing to ask that you please support motion S6M-19085 on Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness and attend the member’s debate at 5pm on Thursday 30 October 2025.
Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) is a primary liver cancer that is often missed, misdiagnosed and managed too late, with early diagnosis, treatment and survival rates that are amongst the worst of any cancer.
I’ve seen first-hand how cholangiocarcinoma has deeply affected my family. [YOU MAY SAY HOW HERE]. This has only strengthened my commitment to raising awareness and supporting AMMF – The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity’s vital work in the hope of improving outcomes for others affected by this disease.
In recognition of Liver Cancer Awareness Month this October, I would be grateful if you could sign the motion by Marie McNair MSP and attend the debate to demonstrate strong support for this cause, helping to drive greater awareness and advocacy.
Kind regards,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
