ITV NEWS WHO CARES? CAMPAIGN

Early day motion 1562, tabled 2 February 2006 by Hywel Francis (Labour). Signed by 168 members.

That this House recognises the needs and the role of the UK's six million people who care for their elderly, sick or disabled relatives, partners or friends which is being highlighted by the ITV News Who Cares? Campaign; realises that despite the work already undertaken to support carers, many still face significant challenges; is concerned that carers still can face poverty as a result of caring, can find it difficult to combine work and care and that they are statistically more likely to suffer ill-health as a result of caring; commends Carers UK for its work in bringing these issues to the fore and for working with others to find solutions; notes that carers' support saves £57 billion a year; and calls for the appointment of a champion within Government to overcome these barriers for carers to ensure that they have choices and opportunities for a better life.

Signatures by party: Labour 101, Liberal Democrat 34, Conservative 23, DUP 5, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.