Harrogate MP says it was a 'privilege to stand alongside family' over Lyla’s Law petition
Harrogate’s MP has backed calls for better testing for children with Type 1 diabetes after a public petition known as Lyla’s Law reached Parliament.
Tom Gordon, who is Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Diabetes, said it was vital the Government introduce the wider use of point-of-care testing for Type 1 diabetes in children.
The Westminster Hall debate followed a public petition known as Lyla’s Law, launched by John Story after the tragic death of his daughter Lyla following a missed diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. Earlier in the day, Tom joined John and fellow campaigners as they handed the petition in to 10 Downing Street.
Speaking in support of the petition, the Lib Dem MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough highlighted the importance of recognising the key symptoms of Type 1 diabetes – known as the “4 Ts”: thirst, tiredness, thinning and going to the toilet more frequently – and ensuring quick access to testing when those symptoms appear.
"It was a privilege to stand alongside John Story and campaigners as they handed the Lyla’s Law petition in to Downing Street,” said Mr Gordon.
"John’s tireless campaigning in memory of Lyla is helping drive real change.
“Too many children are still diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes only once they are already critically ill.
"A simple finger-prick test when symptoms appear could prevent life threatening emergencies.
“I remember how frightening it was when my nine year old sister collapsed with diabetic ketoacidosis on a family holiday and was rushed to hospital - it’s an experience no family forgets.
“Type 1 diabetes cannot currently be prevented, but deaths from undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes are preventable. Improving awareness and access to testing will save lives.”
Shortly after his election in 2024, Harrogate’s MP reconvened the All Party Parliamentary Group for Diabetes, a cross-party group of MPs and Peers who campaign on key diabetes issues in Parliament.
The Government has previously said it has no plans to introduce this type of mandatory testing but Mr Gordon is calling for the greater use of simple finger prick blood glucose tests in primary care