Member of Parliament for Burton and Uttoxeter, Kate Kniveton MP, has pledged her support for people with Down syndrome today (21/03/23) on World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) at an event in Parliament hosted by the Rt. Hon. Liam Fox MP and organised by the National Down Syndrome Policy Group (NDSPG).
21st March was officially designated in 2012 as WDSD by the United Nations and represents the three copies of Chromosome 21, which is unique for people with Down syndrome. The campaign message this year is #WithUsNotForUs to highlight that everyone who has Down syndrome is an individual with their own skills, talents, hobbies, ideas, preferences, ambitions, and life choices.
Special guests with Down syndrome from across the UK joined the event, including the Line of Duty actor Tommy Jessop, along with their families, friends and representatives from the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
The event celebrated the progress of the new Down Syndrome Act 2022 and development of the Down Syndrome Act Guidance. The 'Down Syndrome Bill' was introduced by The Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox MP, a former NHS Doctor and GP, as his choice of Private Members' Bill. It is rare for a Private Members' Bill to become law, but Dr Fox secured cross-party and Government support. As a result, the Down Syndrome Bill passed unanimously through both the House of Commons and the House of Lords and received Royal Assent on 28th April 2022.
The new legislation requires the Secretary of State to publish guidance to the NHS, local authorities and others to ensure they are clear on how they should meet the needs of people with Down syndrome when planning, designing and delivering services. A Government call for evidence was made last year seeking information to inform development of the necessary guidance for the Down Syndrome Act which is expected later this year.
Commenting, Kate Kniveton MP said:
“It was good to attend today’s event, marking World Down Syndrome Day. With appropriate help and support, most people with Down syndrome lead healthy, active and more independent lives, achieving more than ever before.
“I was delighted to fully support Dr Liam Fox’s Down Syndrome Private Members’ Bill, and I was pleased the Government gave its support to the legislation too. I pay tribute to the work of my colleague Dr Liam Fox in bringing forward this important Bill, working closely with the Down syndrome community to see it succeed.
“The Guidance Act will ensure that the voices of those with Down syndrome, their families and carers are heard, and they are able to access the services they are entitled to and deserve.”
Dr Liam Fox MP, the Down Syndrome Act Sponsor said:
"The UK should be proud that we have become world leaders with this legislation, showing how we should treat people with Down syndrome with respect, recognising their individuality and right to a good quality of life
Tommy Jessop, first actor with Down syndrome on prime-time TV, star of BBC's Line of Duty crime drama and NDSPG Ambassador said:
"As a nation, we can be proud that the Down Syndrome Act has been passed. We have waited long enough to be treated equally and it really is now the time for people with Down syndrome to have the same chances in life that anyone else has, to live their lives to the full and not get hidden away."
