Logo of the United Kingdom Disabled Peoples Parliament.[d]UKDPP
The launch of the United Kingdom's first ever disabled people's parliament attracted high profile speakers and much media interest. Read on to catch up with the news on this event.
Saturday 4 October 2003 was an historic moment in the history of the disabled people's movement. It was the first ever disabled people's parliament.
Over one hundred disabled people took part in the UKDPP meeting to debate the issues facing disabled people. It certainly raised the profile of disability issues with four TV crews present and high profile speakers on a panel which included the Minister for Disabled People, Maria Eagle, Liberal Democrat disability spokesperson Paul Holmes, and Disability Rights Commission chair Bert Massie.
Bert Massie in a rousing speech addressed the criticisms of the parliament but added that:
"While the current franchise of this Parliament is restricted, it is following in the footsteps of our national Parliament. I hope that as this Parliament grows it will extend the franchise to larger groups of disabled people so it becomes even more representative. But it will not be an easy process and you will need to evolve with care. But the wider the franchise of this Parliament is spread amongst disabled people, the greater will be its influence and we need it to be influential."
The question time was dominated by issues around the disability bill and demands for explanations of how charging for community care services or the current Mental Incapacity Bill were compatible with human rights.
- Parliamentarians agreed that they wanted the UKDPP to continue, and voted to share contact details with each other.
- They voted that in future the UKDPP should automatically include one representative/delegate from each BCODP member group, as well as the representatives who represent their region. (This could be implemented immediately.)
- The debates and workshops were lively and there was a very strong consensus on issues to go in the Disabled People's Rights and Freedoms Bill, which were consistent with long-stated goals of the movement. The Bill is a working document, and further discussion and debate will be needed.
- Parliamentarians also agreed to reject the Patient's Right to Die Bill, end segregated education by 2020, seek a written UK constitution and bill of rights, support the social model of disability, and make sure all information is accessible and provided in alternative formats. Others issues agreed included a right to a sex life, the right to life, the right to independent living and the right to independent advocacy.
- The meeting obtained a lot of media coverage, including at least two items in the national press, five TV reports, three national radio reports and ten local radio reports - particularly around self-representation issues.
UKDPP Parliamentarians
A list of the UKDPP Parliamentarians is available.