Carers UK welcomes Commons progress

Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK, has welcomed the conclusion of the Second Reading of the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Bill on Friday in the House of Commons. The Bill will now go to its Committee stage where it will be examined in detail by MPs.

We are naturally pleased that the Bill has reached its next stage in the Parliamentary process. This Bill had very broad support and unifying appeal. It is backed by major employers such as British Gas, British Telecom and the Metropolitan Police; local authorities, unions, carersí organisations and educational groups. We are all now one step closer to getting vital rights for carers. ì

She added, This is such an important piece of legislation for carers because it will give them information and will change the culture around how they are perceived. Equality of opportunity and access to information are not luxuries, they are necessities.î

The Private Memberís Bill has been brought forward by Dr Hywel Francis, MP for Aberavon, who drew second place in December 2003ís ballot. Dr Francis has dubbed it ëSamís Billí in the name of his disabled son, whom he and his wife Mair cared for until he died at the age of 16.