Local MP nominated for prestigious award
Kingswood MP Roger Berry has been nominated for a prestigious disability achievement award by Lord Jack Ashley, a lifelong campaigner for the rights of disabled people. The award is presented by RADAR (The Royal Association for Disability Rights).
The Labour MP is a leading campaigner for disabled people and carers. He co-chairs the All Party Parliamentary Disability Group at Westminster and has introduced a number of Bills to help disabled people.
Lord Ashley says in his nomination:
“Roger has been a tireless and hugely effective campaigner for disability rights since he entered Parliament in 1992, working across party lines to build consensus for change, leading campaigns for independent living, full civil rights and an end to disability-related poverty.
“He is hugely respected both within and without Parliament as one of the most dedicated, expert and trusted leaders of the disability rights movement.
“Most recently Roger led campaigning for an extension of the winter fuel allowance to Disabled Living Allowance recipients under 60.
“And he was heavily involved in the recent successful campaign to persuade Government to extend the higher rate component of DLA to people who are registered blind. As a result some 26,000 people will be entitled (from 2011) to £29 extra a week to enable them to get out and about and live the lives they want to lead.”
Shortlisting of nominations will take place soon and RADAR will announce the judges’ decision at its People of the Year Human Rights Awards on 30 November.
