In his latest blog for Caerphilly Observer, Conservative South Wales East AM, Mohammad Asghar, expresses his concern over his party’s failed attempt to introduce an Autism Bill in the National Assembly.
The Welsh Conservative campaign to bring about an Autism Bill for Wales did not succeed despite cross-party support for the motion.
In a debate in the National Assembly Welsh Conservative Members called on the Welsh Government to give more support to the estimated 34,000 people in Wales living with autism.
But the bill was subsequently voted down by Labour, including its Cabinet Secretaries for health and public health. Whilst the vote did not go the way we wanted we will continue this hugely important campaign for people and their families right across Wales.
There are an estimated 34,000 autistic people in Wales, but the condition affects a community of around 136,000, if we include families and carers. Autism lacks a statutory identity in Wales and consequently people are often unable to access effective support. Without legislation, the Welsh Government’s autism strategy is a voluntary wish list. It is therefore vital that Wales’ autism community enjoys the same statutory support as their English and Northern Irish counterparts.