📅 June 2021 – We wrote the Down Syndrome Bill
- 🗣 We knew people with Down syndrome were not being fully listened to.
- 💡 We had the idea to make a new law to help.
- 👫 Our leaders Fionn, Bethany, Heidi and James shared their ideas in a speech on 4 May 2021.
- 🏛 On 12 May 2021, we had the first APPGDS meeting. MPs listened to our speech.
- 🎯 Our voices made a big impact.
🎥 We launched the Bill by video
- 📢 We sent a video to all MPs on 14 May 2021.
- 🎭 Bethany Asher and George Webster helped promote the Bill.
- ✉️ Over 1,000 letters were sent to MPs asking for their support.
🤝 Dr Liam Fox MP joined our cause
- 🎟 Dr Fox was chosen to put forward a new law.
- ❤️ He chose the Down Syndrome Bill and promised to help.
- 📝 We worked with him to write the first draft of the Bill.
🏛 First Reading in Parliament
- ⚡ Only 5 weeks after our meeting, the Bill had its first reading on 16 June 2021.
- 🙌 We shared our hopes for how the law would help.
📈 Second Reading in Parliament
- 🤗 Support grew across the country.
- 🤝 Dr Fox met with government ministers.
- 🖊 A petition for the Bill reached nearly 32,000 signatures.
- 🌍 People saw it as a world-first law.
- 🌆 Battersea Power Station and the London skyline lit up in our colours.
- 📅 On 26 November 2021, the Bill had its second reading and passed to the next stage.
📰 Press and Media
- 📻 Radio, TV, and newspapers shared the news.
- 📢 Ken Ross gave 13 media interviews in one day.
📍 Rally in Parliament Square
- 🎉 On 26 November 2021, people with Down syndrome, families, MPs, and celebrities gathered to celebrate.
🚀 Next Steps
- 🕒 The Bill moved forward quickly.
- 👥 We began planning an Advisory Group for people with Down syndrome to lead our work.
