On Global MND Awareness Day, science secretary Chloe Smith and health and social care secretary Steve Barclay have announced that £36.5 million has now been allocated of the £50 million pledged to motor neurone disease (MND) research.

The funding that has already been awarded is supporting cutting-edge research that it is hoped will enable faster progress towards treatments for MND.

Smith said: "Motor neurone disease is a cruel and devastating condition. We are unrelenting in our commitment to supporting both the people living with this condition, and the brilliant minds across Britain who are working in the hope it can become treatable - and one day even curable.

"Last year we cut unnecessary red tape, enabling us to deliver funding for this crucial work even more quickly. Today, we are redoubling efforts by providing further support for the world-leading scientists and researchers who are taking the fight to MND."

Barclay said: "Motor neurone disease has a devastating impact on people’s lives, and I continue to work with leading scientists to cut red tape and accelerate research.

"Almost three quarters of our pledged £50 million funding has been awarded to projects across the UK.

"I want this vital funding to get to where it needs to be as quickly as possible so early phase studies can lead the way in helping us find new and effective treatment for those people who are living with this debilitating disease.

"We know we are not there yet, but we will find a cure and we’re doing everything we can to make it happen."