A historic and ground-breaking Bill, the first of its kind in the
world, which is focussed on improving the lives of those living
with Down Syndrome, has successfully passed through both Houses
of Parliament after completing its final stages in the House of
Lords today. Royal Assent is expected in the next few days.
The Down Syndrome Bill was introduced as Dr Liam Fox’s Private
Member’s Bill. was selected, for the first time in his thirty years as
an MP, in the Private Members’ Ballot to bring forward a Bill of
his own choosing for this Parliamentary session – only twenty MPs
each parliamentary session are drawn at random in the
ballot. , a former NHS Doctor, decided to use this unique
opportunity to bring forward the ‘Down Syndrome Bill’ as his
Private Member’s Bill.
secured both cross-party and Government support, helping
the Bill to become an Act of Parliament.
TV Personalities have also shown their support for the Bill,
including: CBeebies presenter and self-advocate George Webster;
BBC’s Line of Duty actor Tommy Jessop; writer and creator of Call
the Midwife Heidi Thomas; and the actress Sally Phillips.
An open letter, in support of the Bill, urging members of the
House of Lords to ensure that it completed its passage through
the House, was published last week by the National Down Syndrome
Policy Group (NDSPG) who are championing the Bill. More than a
hundred Down syndrome organisations added their names to the
letter in support, which can be seen here: https://ndspg.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Open_letterv2503.pdf
On 21st March, World Down Syndrome Day, and the National Down Syndrome Policy Group (NDSPG),
hosted a reception at Westminster for supporters and politicians.
Once Royal Assent is granted, there will be a public consultation
undertaken to inform development of the necessary guidance around
the Down Syndrome Act. It is expected that necessary
guidance around the law will be developed within a year after the
passing of the Act.
MP said:
“I am thrilled that my Private Members’ Bill – the Down
Syndrome Bill – is set to become an Act of Parliament. This will
mean there is now a law to deal with the issues faced by those
with Down syndrome. I hope that three things will flow from this.
The first is to help 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.”
Tommy Jessop, actor from BBC’s Line of Duty crime drama and NDSPG
Ambassador said:
“This is a historic moment that might be world-wide and will
change lives forever.”
Peter Brackett, Chair of the NDSPG said:
“The Down Syndrome Bill has travelled through both Houses
unchallenged to get to this point, testament to everyone
involved.
“The community has really rallied behind the NDSPG in its
support of the Bill and we’ve had continual messages of support
and encouragement from Down syndrome groups all over the country,
other charities, politicians, families and people with Down
syndrome. We’re thrilled to be in the home straight of what we
believe will be a transformative piece of
legislation.
“As a group we had to hit the ground running when this
opportunity arose and I’m proud of the work the NDSPG has done to
champion and promote the Bill, leading to such a positive outcome
for people with Down syndrome.”
ENDS
has been Conservative MP for North Somerset since 1992
and has served in Government under Prime Minister’s John Major,
and . In 2020, he was the UK’s
Nominee to be Director-General of the World Trade Organization
(WTO). Prior to being elected as an MP, he was an NHS
family doctor.
