News

12th March 2002

John Bowis MEP speaks at the AGM of the Conservative Disability Group about the importance of opportunities

John Bowis – Conservative Member of the European Parliament for London and Health Spokesman - spoke at the AGM of the Conservative Disability Group (CDG) on Thursday 7th March 2002, which took place in the Palace of Westminster.

Speaking from Westminster, John Bowis said, “The Conservative Disability Group plays a very important role in ensuring that disability issues remain at the forefront of the Conservative Party’s thinking. It is a fact, that disability in one form or another affects around 10% of the UK population, people who want the opportunities to reach their full potential.”

John Bowis continued, “The best way to empower those with disabilities is not to patronise them, but to give them those freedoms and opportunities in order that they have control over their own destiny. It is of vital importance that issues affecting the daily lives of disabled people are taken in a partnership and not by bureaucrats many miles away.”

“It is also important that we remember the role of carers. They too have their needs and concerns and we must recognise the contribution they make to our society. These unsung heroes – often family members, friends and neighbours – play a vital role in improving the quality of life for many of our disabled people.”