ALISON LAPPER MBE STATUE IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE

Early day motion 888, tabled 23 March 2004 by Tim Loughton (Conservative). Signed by 43 members.

That this House congratulates the sculptor Marc Quinn and Shoreham-by-Sea artist Alison Lapper MBE, the subject of his sculpture which has been chosen to occupy the vacant plinth in Trafalgar Square; praises the judges for making this bold move which will do much to help the cause of equal treatment for people with disabilities who have too often been excluded from works of art; welcomes the attention that this decision has already brought and looks forward to the exhibit proving a thought provoking attraction to the many millions of visitors to Trafalgar Square; and pays tribute to Alison Lapper MBE who in the fact of life threatening disabilities has achieved an enormous amount both in her professional career as an artist and as a caring mother, and is a shining example to all disabled people.

Signatures by party: Labour 23, Conservative 8, Liberal Democrat 8, Plaid Cymru 2, Labour/Co-operative 1, UUP 1.