Vicky Foxcroft confirmed as Disability Labour Patron.
Vicky Foxcroft, Shadow Minister for disabled people has been confirmed as the newest Patron of Disability Labour. Vicky joins the organisations other patrons; John McDonnell MP, Debbie Abrahams MP as well as broadcaster and activist Peter Stefanovic.
Kathy Bole, chair of Disability Labour stated “Having Vicky on board is terrific, she has been very proactive in speaking to a wide variety of disabled people’s organisations and was present throughout both of our fringe events at this year’s conference. We are pleased to add Vicky to our current patrons which truly represent the full spectrum of the Labour Party.”
Vicky was asked to consider becoming a patron due to the effort she has put in so far to be the voice of disabled people to senior members of the shadow cabinet and to the government. Despite facing discrimination herself at parliament, she is undaunted at speaking truth to power. In April this year she challenged Boris Johnson over the lack of sign language interpreters for Downing Street Press Conferences by asking her prime minister’s question on the subject in BSL.
Despite the pandemic, Disability Labour continues its fight against ableism and discrimination by the government as well as within our own party. Disabled people have just faced the most challenging 18+ months during the pandemic, yet due to changes resulting from covid 19, more disabled people than ever have been able to participate in their communities thanks to measures like online participation.
Disability Labour looks forward to working with Ms. Foxcroft in the new year to further the priority of stamping out ableism and achieving equal rights to justice.