Local MP Alan Mak has lent his support to fellow Conservative MP Dr Liam Fox, who is introducing a new Down Syndrome Bill to the House of Commons. The Bill will have its Second Reading on Friday 26 November 2021.
The Down Syndrome Bill will lead to the establishment of a National Strategy to improve provision and outcomes for all those living with Down Syndrome in the UK. The Autism Act which became law in 2009 preceded the establishment of the National Strategy to help meet the needs of adults with autistic spectrum conditions in England.
Local MP Alan Mak said “I am delighted to be supporting Dr Fox with his Down Syndrome Bill, which we hope will become law in the coming months. This bill will improve the lives of approximately 41,000 people in the U.K. who live with Down Syndrome by giving them the facilities and provision they need to achieve the best in life, as well as de-stigmatising the condition with a re-education programme.”
The Down Syndrome Bill will go further, identifying needs in all areas, for all individuals with Down syndrome across the whole of the UK.
The Rt. Hon Dr Liam Fox MP said: “I am thrilled to bring forward a Bill to deal with the issues faced by those with Down syndrome. The full title is ‘A Bill to make provision about meeting the needs of persons with Down syndrome; to place a duty on local authorities to assess the likely social care needs of persons with Down syndrome and plan provision accordingly; and for connected purposes’.”
