Martin Frizell Criticises Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for Ignoring Alzheimer’s Treatment Campaigns in the United Kingdom

Martin Frizell, widower of former TV presenter Fiona Phillips, has publicly criticised Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for reportedly turning down an opportunity to promote Alzheimer’s research.

During an interview on Good Morning Britain, Frizell revealed that Starmer told Barbara Windsor’s husband, Scott Mitchell, that he was “too busy” to participate in publicising the treatment drive.

Scott Mitchell, who has campaigned for improved dementia research since Windsor passed away in 2020, had written to the Prime Minister encouraging support for Britain’s scientists tackling Alzheimer’s.

Frizell called the reply “appalling” and urged the government to invest more in what he described as the UK’s biggest killer.

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Alzheimer’s Remains Underfunded Compared to Other Diseases

Frizell highlighted the stark contrast between funding for Alzheimer’s and high-profile diseases like COVID-19 or cancer.

He explained that dementia, which encompasses conditions including Alzheimer’s, accounted for around 80% of the 982,000 dementia cases in the UK, yet remains far less resourced.

During the interview, Frizell noted that while the world mobilised rapidly to combat COVID-19, Alzheimer’s continues to be “the poor relation” in medical research funding, despite causing a higher death toll during the pandemic years.

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Expert Voices Call for Early Diagnosis and Research Boost

Former Labour politician and broadcaster Ed Balls, whose mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, agreed that funding has historically lagged.

He pointed out that limited progress over decades has made it harder to attract the attention and investment needed to accelerate breakthroughs.

Frizell shared insights from a conversation with a leading British scientist, who suggested that reallocating even a fraction of large-scale infrastructure budgets, such as HS2, could massively boost Alzheimer’s research.

“We wouldn’t necessarily find a cure immediately, but we could develop treatments that allow people to live well with the condition,” Frizell quoted.

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Government Policy Changes Impact Families

Frizell criticised recent policy decisions by the Labour Government that affect dementia patients and their carers.

In July 2024, the cancellation of the £86,000 cap on personal care costs in England increased the financial burden on families.

In February 2025, NHS dementia diagnosis rate targets were removed, reducing early detection opportunities, which experts say is crucial for effective treatment.

Frizell emphasised that early diagnosis is key, similar to cancer care: “If you’re diagnosed early enough, treatments are far more effective, and the long-term costs to the NHS could actually decrease.”

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Alzheimer’s Still a Persistent Challenge

Despite progress in understanding Alzheimer’s, treatments remain limited, and much of what is prescribed today dates back decades.

Frizell noted that Fiona Phillips, like many patients, has received medications that “don’t always work,” underscoring the urgent need for research into new therapies.

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What’s Next?

• Advocates hope the government will revisit funding priorities for Alzheimer’s research.

• Early diagnosis initiatives may be reintroduced or strengthened within the NHS.

• Researchers aim to develop more effective therapies to improve quality of life for patients.

• Campaigners plan to raise public awareness about the disease’s impact and the need for governmental support.

Frizell and Mitchell are calling for a national strategy that prioritises both research and support for families affected by dementia, arguing that political engagement is crucial for meaningful progress.

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Summary

By FREYA BARNES, NEWS REPORTER

Martin Frizell, husband of former TV presenter Fiona Phillips, has criticised Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for allegedly declining to support Alzheimer’s research campaigns, telling Barbara Windsor’s widower that he was “too busy.”

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Frizell highlighted the chronic underfunding of Alzheimer’s research in the UK, despite it being the leading cause of death during the COVID-19 era.

Policy changes, including the removal of dementia diagnosis targets and the cancellation of personal care caps, have increased the burden on families.

Experts emphasise that early diagnosis and increased research funding are critical to developing more effective treatments and improving quality of life for patients and carers alike.