Tiverton and Minehead MP backs It's Never You campaign

Rachel Gilmour, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, is backing a letter to the business and trade secretary, Peter Kyle MP, urging decisive governmental action for Hugh's Law.

This proposed legislation aims to provide parents of seriously ill children with support from day one.

The letter, which over 150 MPs and Lords have endorsed, signifies a crucial moment in the campaign led by charity It's Never You.

It commends the government’s recent announcement regarding a stand-alone consultation on the matter but calls for explicit clarity and commitment.

This includes co-production of the consultation's terms with the It's Never You campaign, a clear timeframe for the consultation process, a commitment to legislate for Hugh's Law in the next King's Speech, and a roadmap for the implementation of any resulting legislation.

If enacted, Hugh's Law will introduce a non-means-tested benefit for parents of seriously ill children, addressing an existing gap in the welfare system.

While new parents receive support through maternity and paternity leave, no such provisions exist for families grappling with long-term or life-threatening childhood illnesses, apart from the limited Neonatal Care Act.

According to the letter, the welfare system "should respond not to the timing of illness, but to the reality of need."

Ms Gilmour said: "I am proud to have supported It's Never You's letter to the government, highlighting the need for systemic change when it comes to supporting parents with ill children.

"It is desperately sad that, in an incredibly difficult moment when their child is unwell, parents up and down the country are burdened with a decision – do I go to work or remain at my child’s bedside?

"To me, this seems unfair, and I am backing Hugh's Law so that the welfare state can provide support in these instances."

Chris Hinchliff MP, who organised the letter, said: "Hugh's Law is about compassion, dignity, and fairness.

"No parent should be forced to choose between financial survival and being at their child’s bedside.

"Our welfare system must respond to moments of crisis with immediate, unconditional support.

"The government’s consultation is a welcome step, but we must get the details right and implement Hugh’s Law as soon as realistically possible."

Ceri Menai-Davies, co-founder of It's Never You, added: "I’m incredibly moved by the support we’ve received, over 150 MPs and peers have now joined us in calling for change and for consultation into Hugh’s law to be acted upon and to be legislated upon.

"To see that level of compassion and unity gives me real hope.

"This letter represents more than signatures, it represents a shared belief that parents of seriously ill children deserve better.

"I’m proud of how far we’ve come and this is only the beginning."