Much of the work done by Government and in Parliament is never seen or spoken about. Last week, however, the cumulative effect of years of campaigning and diplomacy saw the Iranian Government release British nationals Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori. Their years of incarceration were ended in part thanks to years of work to secure their release by countless extraordinary people across our diplomatic service.
In other good news, progress has been made on the Down’s Syndrome Bill which passed its second reading in the House of Lords. By design, this key milestone fell on World Down’s Syndrome Day. To mark the special occasion there was a reception in the Houses of Parliament which I had the pleasure to speak at. Being a Minister at the Department of Health and Social Care has its challenges but supporting this Bill has been one of my highlights in the role so far.
The Bill, put forward by my friend and colleague, Dr. Liam Fox MP, is the first of its kind in that it will require local authorities and other public services to put in place plans to specifically address the needs of people with Down’s syndrome. In addition, it will mean as a Government we will be required to publish guidance on how to meet the needs of people with Down’s Syndrome. The UK was the first country to recognise the condition due to the pioneering work by Dr Down around 150 years ago. It is therefore fitting that England will be the first country in the world to introduce this landmark legislation, which I hope will benefit those with other learning disabilities and lifelong conditions.
For me, this has been a hugely rewarding process, and I know from both personal experience with my nephew who has Down’s, and meeting parents and relatives locally at services such as the Apuldram Centre, it is often hard to get the support needed. I hope this legislation will change that in the years to come when it becomes law next month.
