A historic and ground-breaking Bill, the first of its kind in the world, which is backed by Milton Keynes North MP Ben Everitt, has successfully passed through both Houses of Parliament after completing its final stages in the House of Lords today.
Royal Assent for the Bill, which is focussed on improving the lives of those living with Down Syndromes, is expected in the next few days.
The Down Syndrome Bill was introduced as Dr Liam Fox’s Private Member’s Bill. Dr Fox 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. Dr Fox, a former NHS Doctor, decided to use this unique opportunity to bring forward the ‘Down Syndrome Bill’ as his Private Member’s Bill.
Dr Fox secured both cross-party and Government support, helping the Bill to become an Act of Parliament, including from Milton Keynes North MP Ben Everitt who has attended Parliamentary events in support of the Bill and met people living with Down Syndrome.
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.
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.
Ben Everitt MP commented: "I'm delighted the Down Syndrome Bill has now passed all stages of Parliament and is set to officially become law and I want to thank Dr Liam Fox MP for introducing it to Parliament and all of his hard work campaigning on it.
"This Bill can change the lives of so many people living with Down Syndrome."
Dr Liam Fox 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, added: “This is a historic moment that might be world-wide and will change lives forever.”
Peter Brackett, Chair of the NDSPG, commented: “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.”