AT Rishi Sunak’s first Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday – and in the Commons proceedings before it – MPs from across the political spectrum were seen wearing rectangular badges on their lapels.
Labour leader Keir Starmer and Tory Work and Pensions minister Claire Coutinho were both among the MPs wearing the badges.
Why are MPs wearing badges at Westminster?
The rectangular badges were sent to MPs by the Stroke Association ahead of World Stroke Day, which falls on October 29.
The charity works to help people who have suffered from a stroke – a life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off – recover and rebuild their lives.
It said there are a total of 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK, with another person falling victim every five minutes.
What is a stroke? It is... Scary Confusing Lonely Exhausting It's a leading cause of adult disability & it changes lives in an instant. But the brain can adapt, & so can you. Please share so more people can hear what stroke means to survivors, as part of #StrokeAwarenessMonth. pic.twitter.com/wnDZywk5qx
— Stroke Association (@TheStrokeAssoc) May 26, 2022
Juliet Bouverie OBE, the chief executive of the Stroke Association, said: "We're pleased to see so many MPs wearing Stroke Association badges in the House of Commons today to mark the upcoming World Stroke Day.
"Quick access to stroke treatment is essential for the best chances of survival and recovery. Currently only 30% of patients who could have thrombectomy treatment receive it.
"It's essential the government supports hard-working stroke teams across the country to rapidly increase access to thrombectomy to all patients who could benefit. We need to see urgent investment in stroke treatment so that more people can rebuild their lives after stroke."
