Islwyn MP joins colleagues from across Parliament to support the Down Syndrome Bill which will be debated in the House of Commons on Friday, 26th November 2021.
Dr Liam Fox’s Private Members’ Bill has introduced the Down Syndrome Bill. Dr Fox was chosen in the Private Members’ Ballot for the first time in his thirty years as an MP to bring forward a Bill of his own choosing for this Parliamentary session. Dr Fox, a former NHS doctor and general practitioner, decided to take advantage of this unique opportunity to introduce the ‘Down Syndrome Bill’ as a Private Members’ Bill.
Last week, the Government announced its support for the Down Syndrome Bill. As a result, the Down Syndrome Act 2022, as it will be termed, will significantly improve provision and outcomes for those living with Down Syndrome. This Bill makes provisions for meeting the needs of persons with Down syndrome; to place a duty on local authorities to assess the likely social care needs of persons with Down syndrome and plan provision accordingly.
A new campaign in favour of the Bill has been launched by the National Down Syndrome Policy Group. A Change.org petition supporting the ‘Stand Up for Down Syndrome’ campaign has received an astounding 30,283 signatures. Thousands of constituents have also written to their MPs to express their support for this campaign.
Commenting Chris Evans MP for Islwyn:
“I am delighted to be supporting the Down Syndrome Bill. For the first time individuals with Down Syndrome are beginning to outlive their parents. If we do not make provisions for this, then there will be evitable human tragedies. Not only is this an opportunity to address this problem, but it also gives us the opportunity to ensure that people with Down syndrome have access to health, education, and social services.”
Down Syndrome Bill sponsor, The Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox MP said:
“I am thrilled to bring forward a Bill to deal with the issues faced by those with Down syndrome. My aim is to deal with three main areas. The first is to de-stigmatise Down syndrome. The second is to ensure that current provision of services is improved. The third is to look ahead and deal with future issues, such as long-term care, in an era where, for the first time, many of those with Down syndrome will outlive their parents.”
Actor, CBBC presenter and Trustee for the NDSPG George Webster said:
“We are all very excited that Dr Liam Fox is sponsoring a Bill with the aim of improving the lives of people living with Down syndrome. I would like to see the Bill becoming law, then I think everyone like me with Down syndrome will get better healthcare, more access to services and be more included in society. It is possible. It happens for some now, but it shouldn’t be a lottery.”
