Rare Cancers Act 2026
The bill has been signed off by the King and is now law.
This law aims to encourage research into treatments for rare cancers. It requires a review of how medicines for rare conditions are licensed, and creates a national lead to promote research on rare cancers.
Summary drafted by AI, checked by Jonathan on 4 Oct 2026. Source: Parliament Library briefing.
Official title: Rare Cancers Act 2026
- 1Introduced1st reading
- 2Main debate2nd reading
- 3Detailed checksCommittee
- 4ChangesReport stage
- 5Final vote3rd reading
- 6Other houseLords or Commons
- 7Becomes lawRoyal Assent
Nothing more. This bill is now law.
Put forward by Dr Scott Arthur, Julie Elliott.
Votes so far
No Commons votes on this bill in the last 12 months.
Full timeline
| Date | Stage | House |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Oct 2024 | 1st reading | Commons |
| 14 Mar 2025 | 2nd reading | Commons |
| 30 Jun 2025 | Money resolution | Commons |
| 2 Jul 2025 | Committee stage | Commons |
| 11 Jul 2025 | Report stage | Commons |
| 11 Jul 2025 | 3rd reading | Commons |
| 14 Jul 2025 | 1st reading | Lords |
| 16 Jan 2026 | 2nd reading | Lords |
| 11 Feb 2026 | Order of Commitment discharged | Lords |
| 27 Feb 2026 | 3rd reading | Lords |
| 5 Mar 2026 | Royal Assent | Unassigned |
In the bill’s own words: A Bill to make provision to incentivise research and investment into the treatment of rare types of cancer; and for connected purposes.
Source: Parliament Bills API · Commons votes from the Commons Votes API.