22,000 strong petition delivered to 10 Downing Street

Coeliac UK delivered the petition on Wednesday, March 19, calling on the government to safeguard access to gluten-free prescriptions for people with coeliac disease.

The charity also coordinated a gathering at Parliament Square involving supporters from across the country.
Among those directly impacted is Katherine Clarke, from Portchester, who suffered from weight loss and neurological symptoms before being diagnosed with coeliac disease at 23.

She said: "I have been receiving gluten-free bread prescriptions since my diagnosis in 2016.

"I’m a stay-at-home mum of two boys and having this support has been a lifeline for me.

"With bread costs rising and stock in the supermarket often very low, having my prescription has been a huge help.

"The cost of a gluten-free loaf compared to gluten-containing bread in recent years is ridiculous and the cost of my food shopping is only getting higher and higher."

Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune condition affecting one in 100 people in the UK, for which a medically prescribed, strict gluten-free diet is the only treatment.

Access to gluten-free staple substitute foods through NHS prescriptions has been a lifeline to those with the condition.

However, recent policy changes by multiple Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in England have led to the withdrawal of gluten-free prescriptions in various regions.

This makes access to gluten-free bread and flour increasingly difficult, particularly concerning for those with lower income.

Tristan Humphreys, head of advocacy and public affairs at Coeliac UK, said: "The turnout today demonstrates the strength of feeling on this issue.

"Patients, healthcare professionals and MPs have all come together to demand that the government takes action to prevent further health inequalities.

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Coeliac UK and supporters demonstrate in Parliament Sq. before handing in a petition at N0.10 Downing Street. (Image: Coeliac UK) "We cannot allow short-sighted policy decisions to put people with coeliac disease at risk."

Coeliac UK is calling on the Government to issue updated guidance to ICBs, ensuring that all individuals with coeliac disease who need it, have access to gluten-free prescriptions regardless of where they live.

The charity also urges policymakers to collaborate with healthcare professionals and patients to establish best practices and address the growing disparities in access to essential gluten-free staple foods.