Down Syndrome (Enforcement of Rights) Bill - Third Reading

Asked for reassurance that the Bill is not the end but only the beginning of addressing issues faced by individuals with Down syndrome. Emphasised the need to continue supporting such initiatives.

Paid tribute to Liam Fox for bringing forward the Bill and expressed hope that Wales would follow suit, urging the devolved Administrations to align their policies with those of England. Highlighted the territorial extent limitation of the guidance.

Mr Timpson supports the Bill, citing personal experiences of fostering Down syndrome babies in the 1980s. He emphasises the importance of early intervention with education, health, and care plans to ensure that individuals with Down syndrome have a sense of agency and opportunities for employment-related outcomes. Mr Timpson also notes the estimated 47,000 people living with Down syndrome who will benefit from this Bill.

Ms Saxby congratulates Dr Fox on introducing the Bill and speaks of her personal connection to someone with Down syndrome, Freddie. She highlights how important it is for professionals to understand Down syndrome better. Ms Saxby supports the aim of improving services and life outcomes for people with Down syndrome and sees this as a start towards helping individuals with other conditions under the integrated care system.

Ms Farris supports the Bill, highlighting its significance in advancing society's understanding and respect for people with Down syndrome. She notes that forty years ago, individuals with Down syndrome were seen as problems to be managed rather than persons with potential, and she praises the Bill for recognising their dignity and rights to receive care and support from local authorities.

Ms Edwards commends the Bill's efforts to improve access to services for people with Down syndrome. She emphasises that the Bill will provide much-needed guidance to local authorities and NHS trusts on how best to care for individuals with Down syndrome, helping them lead active, healthy lives.

Congratulates Dr Fox on bringing the Bill to the House, shares personal experience of someone with Down syndrome who is living a fulfilling life. Emphasises the role of legislators in ensuring people achieve their full potential and gives examples of Government funding for special educational needs. Highlights the importance of normalising achievements of individuals with disabilities and praises the work done by DS Achieve in Hertfordshire.

The Bill is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by individuals with Down syndrome and their families. It aims to provide guidance on housing, education, youth offending, and national health services tailored to meet the unique needs of people with Down syndrome. Siobhan Baillie highlighted personal experiences, emphasising the importance of support for both individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Mohindra emphasised the need to focus on the entire family unit, including carers and friends, in providing support for individuals with Down syndrome.

Edwards questioned whether there has been improvement in supporting new parents to understand the condition of their child since Siobhan Baillie's sister gave birth, indicating that more work is needed.

Gullis supported the Bill and highlighted the need for education on Down syndrome for employers to increase employment opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities.

Timpson emphasised the importance of involving people with Down syndrome, their parents, carers, and supporters in developing the guidance to ensure effective support.

The speaker supports the amendment, emphasising its importance in protecting vulnerable individuals. She highlights the need for a curriculum tailored to children with Down syndrome and more training for teachers. She also mentions positive examples such as successful employment projects and schools that support young people with Down syndrome.

Intervened to acknowledge the importance of all-party parliamentary groups in providing informed debate on topics like Down syndrome, thus supporting the need for specific measures outlined in the Bill.

Acknowledged that a named individual on integrated care boards would help spread knowledge about the needs of people with Down syndrome, further supporting the need for specific measures in the Bill.

Agreed that parents and individuals should be fully informed about educational choices available to children with Down syndrome, supporting tailored education options in both special and mainstream schools.

Proposed that the Minister should write to interim board chairmen about the Bill's provisions before its implementation date, ensuring preparation for guidance on Down syndrome needs.

Called for serious conversations with the Department for Education to ensure ongoing training for teachers about engaging with children with Down syndrome, highlighting the importance of continuous development.

Emphasised the need for more employers to consider people with special needs and highlighted the role of MPs in guiding education organisations and employers on how to support individuals with Down syndrome.

Anderson supports the Bill, highlighting its importance in levelling up outcomes for people with disabilities. He emphasises the need for careful planning to support individuals with Down syndrome and welcomes the commitment to consult widely on proposed guidance. Anderson raises concerns about employment rates among people with learning disabilities and highlights the University of Wolverhampton's pilot scheme aimed at supporting students transitioning into work.

Williams intervenes to express hope that the devolved Administrations will be inspired by the Bill and introduce similar legislation, emphasising its importance beyond England.

Gullis intervenes to suggest that the Bill has influenced Government policy in a wider spectrum, particularly regarding education investment areas which aim to offer additional respite placements for children and young people with special educational needs.

Calls on employers to think about taking on individuals with Down syndrome, emphasising that they can add a 'fantastic extra dimension'. Uses a personal anecdote from her youth working in a pub to illustrate how people with disabilities can be embraced and included in society.

Compliments Lia Nici for her work on skills and apprenticeships, noting that her background in further education makes the House of Commons more representative and diverse. Encourages an open conversation about Down syndrome to reduce fear and stigma.

Endorses the idea that changing attitudes towards special educational needs and disabilities can lead to a more inclusive society. Highlights personal experience with dyspraxia, which has helped him understand his own challenges better.

Pays tribute to Dr Fox for introducing the Bill. Supports the measures in the Bill that seek to address challenges faced by people with Down syndrome, such as access to health checks and support services. Emphasises personal reasons including supporting Asher's family, who has a child with Down syndrome.

Supports the Bill wholeheartedly and emphasises its role in improving lives of people with Down syndrome by tackling inequalities in access to services. Highlights personal experience with her nephew Joseph, who has Down syndrome.

Congratulates Dr Fox on introducing the Bill and supports its example for communities affected by other genetic disorders. Emphasises the impact of inequalities faced by families.

Thanks Gillian Keegan for the plans being put in place and asks about training for those working in DWP to understand specific needs of people with Down syndrome.