Tuesday 3rd December 2024 is International Day of Disabled People.
In Parliament, two Sheffield MPs, Marie Tidball MP and Olivia Blake MP, have been elected Co-Chairs of the first-ever Disability Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) Group.
Marie and Olivia have worked with colleagues to establish the newly formed group, designed to bring colleagues together to ensure that disabled viewpoints are at the forefront of making Parliament more inclusive and Labour’s missions.
Recently, the group met with the Modernisation Committee, which is currently working in Parliament to drive up standards, improve parliamentary processes, and make the environment more accessible.
Katrina Murray, MP for Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch, and Liam Conlon, MP for Beckenham and Penge, were both elected Vice-Chairs of the group.
Marie Tidball MP, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said:
“When I stood for election, I said I'd work hard to smash the glass ceiling for disabled representation in Westminster.
I am so proud to have worked with my fellow Sheffield colleague, Olivia Blake, alongside other Labour MPs to establish and to be elected Co-Chair of the first ever Disability PLP.
Since the General Election, there are now four times the number of disabled MPs than the last Parliament.
When I was growing up, David Blunkett was a hugely influential for me, and made me know disabled people could have a seat at the very highest decision-making table.
With 20% of the voting-age population being disabled, we need to continue to work hard to ensure our voices are better represented representation at every level of government.
That’s why the work to smash the glass ceiling for disability representation continues.
I’ve fought to breakdown barriers to equal justice, opportunity, and dignity without discrimination, for disabled people at every stage of my personal, professional and political life.
I’m looking forward to continuing this work with my colleagues in the new Disability PLP, and outside of it, to improve representation and inclusivity for disabled people across Parliament, and across politics at every level.”
Olivia Blake MP, Member of Parliament for Sheffield Hallam, said:
“As Co-Chair of the first-ever Disability PLP, I am incredibly proud to champion and represent disabled MPs within the Labour Party. This role marks a significant step forward for disability representation in Westminster, and I am deeply committed to building on this momentum alongside my co-chair Marie Tidball.
Representation matters. Disabled people deserve a seat at the highest decision-making tables, and we must ensure our voices are heard loud and clear at every level of government.
Throughout my personal, and political journey, I have fought to dismantle the barriers to equality, opportunity, and dignity for disabled people. As Co-Chair of the Disability PLP, I am eager to continue this fight—with colleagues and allies in Parliament and beyond—to create a political landscape that is more inclusive, representative, and accessible for all."
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