Jane’s Reflections
Occasional post’s about my campaign and media activities.
Why is it so hard to understand that disabled people do not want to die?
That is a question I ask myself every time I hear someone campaigning for a change in the law on assisted suicide. Do they want everyone to have the right to be assisted to die when life feels too hard to bear? “Never”, they are always at pains to point out, “any...
Paralympics
Paralympics – I am a convert... And why am I surprised? I feel the need to hold my hand up and confess, until 2 weeks ago I never watched sport, except for Wimbledon. I believed sports bored me to tears. So, there was I ready with my Netflix box sets to get through...
Statement from Baroness Campbell of Surbiton on the publication of the final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry – May 20th.
Secrets, lies and cover ups. That’s what we’ve been fed for 40 years. Today is the culmination of the campaign for truth and justice to be served – a turning point for so many people who have had their lives shattered by the infected blood scandal.
Lessons from lockdown
A more inclusive Parliament: a reflection by Baroness Campbell of Surbiton I have been in the Lords 12 years and many of the barriers to my effective participation have been resolved by good-natured and enthusiastic staff and parliamentarians. Occasionally however, I...
The Pandemic of Disability Rights – 2020
A story of resilience In late February, early March, the country began to feel a sense of foreboding as international news stories started to focus on a new deadly virus called COVID-19. Having an overactive imagination and being a horror movie enthusiast, I remember...
The Vulnerables – think piece
Hi, I’m Jane and I belong to a group called "The Vulnerable’s". Sadly, we are not a new pop group about to make our millions, but we are very popular at the moment. You will hear about us every-day, on the radio, the TV and wall-to-wall social media. The old Methodist...
Sustainability and Survival of Disability Rights: Acting, Not Talking
I don't get out much these days, the Westminster bubble keeps us well institutionalised! A bit of a paradox for someone who has battled to raze institutions to the ground! This paper explores disability, equality and human rights: Survival and Sustainability, I'm...
Breathing machines and patient empowerment
Today I will be talking to you about the importance of advancing Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) healthcare by collaborating with the experts – The Patients! To set the scene, I want to immediately start by changing the title of this session. I will NOT be talking...
A Tribute
Sir Herbert William Massie, CBE, DL, FRSAknown to us all as “Bert”(31 March 1949 – 15 October 2017) When I heard Bert had died, it gave me good cause to reflect on our very long relationship over decades. I was just fifteen-and-a-half years old when I...