Hundreds Take To Parliament In Support Of Liam Fox's Down Syndrome Bill
2 min read
MPs, representatives and friends of organisations supporting people with Down Syndrome attend a special afternoon tea in Parliament in celebration of Dr Liam Fox’s Down Syndrome Bill.
The event, on World Down Syndrome Day, took place on the Terrace Pavilion, included speeches from Line of Duty Actor Tommy Jessop, screenwriter Heidi Thomas and former minister Fox.
Government has confirmed it will be supporting a bill drawn up by Fox bill, which will place a responsibility on authorities providing education, housing, health and care to meet the needs of people with Downs Syndrome.
The bill will also mandate the government to issue guidance on how it can improve the ways in which people with the syndrome are accommodated.
The legislation has been described by campaigners as ground-breaking in the fight for equality in Britain, and attendees at the afternoon tea reception were jubilant the bill has received the Prime Minister’s backing.
“The afternoon tea was one of the most joyous occasions I have attended in Westminster,” Fox told The House.
“The optimism about being valued through the Down Syndrome Bill was palpable and the number of MPs and Peers showed the great awaking that this campaign has created”.
Addressing a packed audience at the event, Thomas said: “I so want this bill to succeed.
“You are all about to go out and take charge of your future and you deserve the help that this bill can give you.
“I really want that for all of you.”
The bill is currently in committee stage in the House of Lords and has the support of MPs from across Parliament.
“Please let’s get this through with no extra amendments and messing around,” Thomas said.
“This cannot be lost.”
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