Prime Minister Pledges To Meet Isle Of Wight Family Behind “Zoe’s Law” Campaign

An Isle of Wight family’s long-running campaign for ‘Zoe’s Law’ has taken a major step forward after being raised during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons yesterday.

Ben Goldsborough, MP for South Norfolk — who is currently undergoing treatment for stage 2c malignant melanoma — used his question to the Prime Minister to call for the introduction of Zoe’s Law, a proposed reform aimed at preventing avoidable deaths from melanoma.

Ben’s call was supported by Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley, who has been working with Zoe’s family to campaign for the law.

Zoe’s mother Eileen and brother Charlie Panayi were in the public gallery to witness their campaign reach the floor of the Commons and the attention of the Prime Minister.

The campaign began after the tragic death of Zoe Panayi, a young woman from the Isle of Wight who died just 55 days after being diagnosed with melanoma.

Zoe had twice raised concerns about a mole on her back with her GP but was told it was nothing to worry about.

She later had the mole removed privately for cosmetic reasons — a procedure where, under current rules, moles are not routinely tested for cancer.

Her melanoma was only discovered once it was too late.

Zoe’s Law would make it mandatory for all moles and lesions removed for cosmetic reasons to be tested for cancer, helping to ensure early detection and potentially save lives.

Following Ben Goldsborough’s question, the Prime Minister said he would be happy to meet Zoe’s family — and a same-day meeting was arranged with Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton, NHS England officials, and Zoe’s family.

The discussion also explored how emerging technologies, such as AI, could help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Zoe’s brother Charlie Panayi described the day as “a moment I’ll never forget,” adding:

“To hear Zoe’s story read aloud to the Prime Minister and to sit in a private meeting with the Health Minister and NHS leaders was powerful beyond words.

"For over four and a half years we’ve been fighting for Zoe’s Law, driven by love, loss, and a belief that no family should go through what we did.

"Hearing the Prime Minister’s personal response and commitment to move this forward was incredibly special.”

Richard Quigley MP said he was proud to see the campaign gain national attention:

“Zoe’s family have shown remarkable determination to make sure what happened to Zoe never happens again.

"I’m working alongside Ben to push this change through Parliament — we won’t stop until something is done to right this wrong, in Zoe’s memory.”

Ben Goldsborough MP added:

“Zoe’s story is utterly tragic — she should still be here today.

"This law could save lives by ensuring cancers are detected earlier.

"Please, if you think something’s not right, go to your doctor and get it checked out.”

The meeting marked the start of further discussions between ministers, NHS officials, and campaigners on how Zoe’s Law could be implemented to prevent future tragedies.