Tonia Antoniazzi MP Joins Cross-Party Call for Urgent Support for Parents of Seriously Ill Children

Tonia Antoniazzi, Member of Parliament for Gower, has joined over 150 MPs and Lords in signing a letter to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle MP, urging the government to take decisive action in support of Hugh’s Law which would ensure parents of seriously ill children receive support from day one.
 
The letter, coordinated by Chris Hinchliff MP and backed by the “It’s Never You campaign”, marks a significant moment in the fight to improve support for families facing the unimaginable challenge of caring for a seriously ill child.
 
It welcomes the government’s recent announcement of a stand-alone consultation, but calls for greater clarity and commitment, including co-production of the consultation’s terms with the “It’s Never You” campaign, a clear timeframe for the consultation process, a commitment to legislate for Hugh’s Law in the next King’s Speech, and a roadmap for implementation of any resulting legislation
 
Hugh’s Law would introduce a non-means tested benefit for parents of seriously ill children, filling a critical gap in the current welfare system. While support exists for new parents through maternity and paternity leave, there is no bespoke provision for families facing long-term or life-threatening childhood illness except for the limited Neonatal Care Act, which applies only in a child’s earliest days.
 
Tonia Antoniazzi MP said “Families caring for seriously ill children are facing unimaginable stress and heartbreak — the last thing they should be worrying about is financial survival. Hugh’s Law is about compassion, dignity, and fairness. I’m proud to support this campaign and urge the government to act swiftly. We must ensure that no parent is left without support at the moment they need it most.”
 
Chris Hinchliff MP, who organised the letter, said as the letter states, the welfare system “should respond not to the timing of illness, but to the reality of need.”
 
“Hugh’s Law is about compassion, dignity, and fairness. No parent should be forced to choose between financial survival and being at their child’s bedside. Our welfare system must respond to moments of crisis with immediate, unconditional support.”
 
Ceri Menai-Davies, Co-Founder of It’s Never You, added “I’m incredibly moved by the support we’ve received. Over 150 MPs and Peers have now joined us in calling for change. This letter represents more than signatures. It represents a shared belief that parents of seriously ill children deserve better.”