Jesy Nelson pushes for universal SMA newborn screening in England

Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson is campaigning for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) to be included in England’s newborn heel‑prick test after her twin daughters were diagnosed with the condition. Her petition has gathered more than 150,000 signatures and a debate on the issue will be held in Westminster on 22 June 2026, where she will appear with SMA UK chief executive Giles Lomax.

The UK government announced that SMA screening will roll out in October 2026, but only for 72 % of newborns, creating a “postcode lottery” that Nelson says is unfair. She is urging MPs to extend the programme nationwide so every baby receives the same chance of early detection and treatment.