Three years after becoming law, the landmark Down Syndrome Act 2022 is still to be delivered by the government.
Following a debate led by senior Conservative MP Graham Stuart to commemorate World Down Syndrome Day on 21st March, various Down Syndrome campaigners and MPs are calling on the government to implement the Down Syndrome Act now and ensure that everyone receives the support they need.
Despite the Down Syndrome Act passing through the Houses of Commons and Lords with unanimous support, three years on the Act is still yet to come into force.
Graham is concerned that other groups are seeking to use the provisions of the Act to support those with learning disabilities unrelated to Down Syndrome, causing delays to guidance being issued relating specifically to the needs of those with Down Syndrome.
The Act requires the government to issue specific guidance on how to support people with Down Syndrome.
MPs were disappointed in the Minister’s response to numerous heart-felt speeches in Westminster Hall on Wednesday evening, which failed to commit the government to issue guidance to institutions or even commit to a meeting with concerned MPs.
The Down Syndrome Act, which became law in April 2022, compels schools, employers, healthcare providers and other organisations to give appropriate, tailored support to those with Down Syndrome.
Sir Liam Fox, sponsor of the Down Syndrome Act, said: “A hugely disappointing response which looks as though the Civil Servants are in charge at the Department of Health rather than Ministers.
“That is why we need the Health committee to launch an enquiry to ensure those with Down Syndrome get the specific help they need.”
Millie Anna, Advisor for the National Down Syndrome Policy Group, who attended the debate weighed in, “What I want to say to the government is please let’s all put our heads together to make sure this guidance is truly meaningful and robust.
“I know you can do this and for the sake of all of us with Down Syndrome, let’s get this done!!”
Graham Stuart, Member of Parliament for Beverley and Holderness, said, “People with Down Syndrome deserve to have the support they need to thrive, and Liam Fox’s Down Syndrome Act sought to do just that.
“Three years on, I don’t understand how the government continues to drag its feet on issuing guidance, as required by the Act.
“The Down Syndrome Act was passed unanimously, with support from the Conservatives, Labour and all other parties.
“Successive governments have failed to implement the guidance needed to implement this act, despite it being the will of Parliament. The political will is there, but it seems to be blocked in the corridors of Whitehall.
“People with Down Syndrome deserve better.”
