THE plight of veterans seeking treatment for PTSD has been raised by a Warrington MP in Parliament.
Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols spoke about the topic in the House of Commons during a business of the house debate.
She did so on Thursday during national Armed Forces Week, commenting that there are few treatment options for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ms Nichols asked for an update on a response to a report on barriers to potentially using drugs to treat the disorder.
She said: “This Armed Forces Week, as we celebrate the contribution of our armed forces, we must do more to support those who serve our country.
“Too many of our veterans return home with post-traumatic stress disorder, for which there are few treatment options.
“Since December 2023, the Home Office has been sitting on a response to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs report on barriers to research on schedule one substances, including MDMA and psilocybin, which are used in other jurisdictions such as Australia to treat PTSD.
“Can the Leader of the House please find out where this response is, and arrange for a debate in Government time on novel treatments for mental health conditions?”
The question was answered by Leader of the House Lucy Powell.
She said: “I thank my honourable friend for raising this important matter during Armed Forces Week.
“I am really sorry to hear that there has not been a response forthcoming.
“She is absolutely right to raise the issue of the mental health trauma suffered by many of our veterans, and the need to do more to support them in the community.
“I will make sure that a response is forthcoming.”
