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Order. Order.

Hello, I'm Alicia McCarthy, and this is today in Parliament from BBC Radio 4 for Friday the 14th of March,

where ministers back a bill to encourage innovation and research into rare cancers.

One MP says it's more than just a change in the law.

It's a plea for those of fighting for their lives,

a lifeline for families who are watching their loved ones slip away bit by bit, day after day.

Also on this programme, calls for a proper code of conduct for local and parish councillors.

What there is a complete lack of is a sanction. That doesn't cost any money.

And as MPs urge the government to support community theatre, one director explains why she

thinks it's vital. To kind of break down this perception that it's just for rich white folk, that it is for everyone.

But first, the government has given its backing to a bill to improve research and investment in rare cancers.

It's estimated that for every 100 people diagnosed every year, around 47 will have a less common form of the illness. A Labour MP,

Dr Scott Arthur, put forward the legislation, calling on the government to increase support for

research and innovation, review some drug regulations and make it easier for patients to be told

about research and clinical trials. Watched on from the public gallery by her family,

Scott Arthur told the story of Tilly.

She'd complained of leg pains

but had been sent away from A&E

and told she might have a virus.

Six weeks later, she returned to A&E

and was transferred to the cancer ward

...