SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH (No. 2)

Early day motion 2570, tabled 13 July 2006 by Diane Abbott (Labour). Signed by 54 members.

That this House applauds the start of Sickle Cell Awareness Month and congratulates the Sickle Cell Society and the NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening programme on the variety of events they are running across the UK; notes that despite sickle cell being one of the most common inherited genetic disorders, awareness of the problem remains low; further notes that the highest frequency is among those of African Caribbean descent but that all people are susceptible; and calls on the Government to ensure that 100 per cent. of babies are offered screening as soon as possible, rigorously to raise awareness amongst the public, and to provide adequate support for those seeking a cure.

Signatures by party: Labour 29, Liberal Democrat 15, DUP 3, Conservative 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.