We are disappointed to let you know that the second reading of Bill 112, Epilepsy and Related Conditions, did not go ahead in the UK Parliament on Friday 4 March as planned.
This is a set-back, but is not unexpected. This is the point in the process that most ten minute rule bills fail. We hoped that by pressuring the government, they would help make sure the second reading was held.
The bill has, however, been given a new date for a second reading. At the moment this is Friday 20 January 2012. However, we believe that once bills have been postponed, it's very rare that they become law.
- Current status of the bill (from the UK parliament website)
Thank you
Thank you to all of you who helped the bill get this far, by writing to your MP or to the Prime Minister. I hope you feel it was worth it, because we do.
Every time we raise the issue of epilepsy with the government, we raise the profile of the condition and raise awareness of it. Bringing epilepsy services up to the standard that we deserve is unlikely to happen over-night. But each time we campaign, we bring it a step closer.
Epilepsy Action will continue to lobby the government to support the bill and take up the issues it tries to address. We hope you will help us do this, and we will let you know what you can do when we are clear on the next steps to take.
- Previous postings: 25 November 2010 and 3 February 2011
Comments: read the 4 comments or add yours
Comments
Hi Mark;
Valeries presentation was outstanding for bill 112 and I understand how important this bill will make not just to young learners but adult learners too. I am 43 years old and epileptic and have recently completed my degree in social work; I did not get a high pass but I feel that I was apaulingly unsupported in university. I feel that had this bill been passed I may have been given the extra time to submit work which may have made a signifcant difference to my result as I experience difficulties in retaining information and concentration.
Why does this delay not surprise me? Quite simply, we don't have a big enough impact on our representatives (my own MP is an exception). With epilepsy, you have twice as much chance of staying unemployed as even other disabled people - and that's bad enough. I first graduated in '68, then aged 20. With two degrees, professional qualifications and vocational certificates (22 in all), I still had to fight my way into work - and, I admit it, lie. I had no choice. I gave up years ago, and 'retired' on disability allowances, in my 40s. I'm now approaching 64. But no, my life was never wasted, and it still isn't. My fifth book was published some time ago (this was on living with epilepsy). People with epilepsy are of all ages and levels of accomplishment, but are too often kept hidden, as if an embarrassment. What our MPs need to be reminded is that there are over 500,000 of us: that's half a million possible votes, enough to make any MP think. Congratulations to Mrs Vaz for even raising the subject.
The work Epilepsy Action is doing is having a global impact! I just wanted to take two minutes to say a quick thanks from the States.
Best,
Jessica Smith
Founder
Living Well With Epilepsy
its a trip at a hurdle mike we will get there - I know 3 MPs who are on are side with this one but sadly there not in the 2 parties in power