Parliament Sets up Cross Party Group on Disability

On 14th May, Marsha De Cordova was elected chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Disability. The meeting was attended by a number of MPs and Lords. The purpose of the group is to create links between parliament and the disability community, to ensure that debates and decisions are informed by the lived experience and expertise of Disabled people. The secretariat for the group will be provided by Disability Rights UK.

Marsha spoke of the need for a group on disability, given the many issues affecting our lives. She particularly highlighted the immediate issues that the group needed to address, highlighting the proposed benefit cuts and plans to improve employment support.

Marsha said: ”I am delighted to be elected the Chair for the APPG for Disability at such a critical moment for defending and improving the rights of Disabled people.

“Disabled people are being hit hard by the cost of living crisis, challenges to employment and incomes,  making it difficult for many to live secure, happy lives and having a wider impact on our economy and society as a result.

“I came into politics to give a voice to the voiceless. It’s now crucial that we bring the voices and needs of disabled people to the centre of Westminster. I look forward to working with colleagues to further this important work."

The officers of the group are Marsha de Cordova MP, Julian Lewis MP, Steve Darling MP and Baroness Brown.