Just wanted to catch up on activities around HIV, the DLA & benefits and political activities.

THT met with Chris Grayling MP this week to discuss HIV & Employment and Support Allowance. Chris Grayling is a Conservative Shadow Minister for Work and Pensions.

NAT are also getting involved with the Employment and Support Allowance debate.

We have a new chair of the All Party Parliamentary group on HIV/AIDS, David Barrow MP. I have written to him to ask what the APPG are going to do, moving forward for UK citizens with or affected by HIV/AIDS.  I am concerned that much of the work of this group is focused on the "international' picture at a time when we need our parliamentary representatives to focus more time on the national issues we face. Of course I will publish any response I get.

On the 5th November there was a debate in the House with the new Minister for Disabled Jonathan Shaw, MP. I shoved my face in from of his at the All Party Parliamentary Group on Disability a few weeks ago and told him I would be writing to him and I still await a response.

Mark Harper, MP and Shadow Conservative Work and Pensions Minister for the Disabled. Mentioned us and the issues of DLA. This being really important as we have front bench ministers, 11 months after we (You & us) started to come together to "campaign" on this. Keeping the issues alive and in the public arena.

I have written to Mark Harper to thank him for mentioning this and draw to his attention our site that reflects the experience shared by you of how you have dealt with this. If I get a response I will of course publish it here.

If you want to read Mark Harpers words -  click here.

If you want to read the full debate - click here.

Please note: This entry is not to be taken as an endorsement or recommendation of any political party or organisation.