“`html
MP Marie Tidball jokingly threatens to chain herself to a Parliament door handle, a statement that leaves room for interpretation regarding its seriousness.
Tidball was born with a congenital disability affecting all four limbs, resulting in foreshortened arms and legs, each hand with a single digit.
Her childhood was marked by three years away from school due to critical surgeries.
Elected as the Labour MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge in South Yorkshire last July, the disability campaigner notes the challenges of both entering politics and navigating the Houses of Parliament with a disability.
As MPs returned from the summer recess, I toured the building with her to observe these challenges firsthand.
We soon encountered a heavy wooden door fitted with a traditional round handle.
“Within about five months of being here, I had about six conversations with senior people about door handles,” she remarked.
“I said if I have to have another conversation about why we need to make the door handles more accessible I will chain myself to them – rather irreverently I might say.”
A Parliament spokesperson states that upgrades to improve accessibility for disabled individuals are underway, and the House of Commons Modernisation Committee is actively exploring further improvements.
However, Tidball argues that there is still much work to be done.
“Twenty-two per cent of the voting age population are disabled,” she points out.
“We absolutely need to make sure that the composition of Parliament reflects those numbers. It makes our politics much more rich.”
As we navigated the stairs and doorways of the building, we discussed the distance of accessible toilets from some committee rooms.
Even upon arrival, access requires pushing open a heavy door.
I questioned Tidball about whether these obstacles sparked anger.
“It does make me angry but you know what they say – don’t get angry, get organised,” she responded with a smile.
“Ultimately I want to make this place more inclusive for other disabled people who might come through the doors.”
As our footsteps echoed through the stone-tiled floors and courtyards, I realized we had already accumulated a significant portion of the recommended 10,000 daily steps.
Traversing the buildings provides opportunities to encounter fellow MPs, but also covers considerable ground.
Tidball highlighted an existing improvement in the newer Portcullis House—an accessible door.
I jokingly suggested a plaque bearing her name, to which Tidball responded with a laugh, acknowledging it as a potential part of her legacy.
She is among several disabled MPs who have provided evidence to the Modernisation Committee regarding accessibility concerns.
Reported challenges include concerns about poorly lit areas within the historic Palace of Westminster, insufficient accessible toilet facilities, and unclear signage.
We were granted special permission to explore specific areas of the Houses of Parliament with Tidball, revealing the scale of the buildings rarely seen by the public.
As a political editor, I am ostensibly accustomed to the statues, vaulted ceilings, and opulent surroundings.
But I’m not.
The building presents itself as both an impressive piece of history and a potentially unwelcoming environment for those who may not feel a sense of belonging.
In Central Lobby, statues of former prime ministers overlooked our conversation in Parliament’s designated meeting place.
Members of the Commons and Lords congregate here, and members of the public can theoretically request to meet their MP, although making an appointment is encouraged.
That is of course, if you feel like you can.
Fifteen years ago, the government passed the Equalities Act in these buildings.
The duty to make it easier for disabled people to access public spaces was made law in the room right next to where we are standing.
The irony is that room, the Commons Chamber, is still inaccessible to many.
These buildings are not easy to modernise.
However, the issue extends beyond the physical infrastructure; the archaic procedures of Parliament, while cherished by some, can create barriers for disabled MPs.
To attract the Speaker’s attention during a debate, MPs repeatedly stand and sit.
“Sitting on those green benches is really special, but they were designed for tall men so for me it is a bit of struggle,” Tidball says.
She notes that while she feels “incredibly lucky” to be in Parliament, other physical demands exist within the role.
When MPs vote they walk through voting lobbies – either the Aye or the No lobby.
“Its a long old walk, it takes about 15 minutes per vote,” Tidball says.
“We’ve done 10 votes in a day before.”
Tidball hopes Parliament can mirror society, making everyone feel empowered to become an MP.
Regarding inclusivity, I asked if the current state is sufficient.
“It’s not good enough. That is why we’ll continue to work hard to make it better,” she states.
“I think we’ve got the will there to make those changes.”
“That culture has already changed and the staff have been incredible.
“While I have the privilege of being here, I’ve got to do what I can to make it easier for the next generation of disabled young people – to make them feel that this space is for them.
“I also want to make sure that constituents, regardless of whether they’ve got disabilities or not, feel that this is their house too.”
The House of Commons Modernisation Committee is actively exploring improvements.
Recent improvements include the installation of an accessible toilet near the Commons Chamber, as well as enhanced signage and lighting.
A comprehensive report outlining plans for more substantial changes is scheduled for publication later this year.
Lucy Powell, Leader of the House of Commons and Chair of the Modernisation Committee, stated: “The House of Commons must set an example on accessibility, yet we’re repeatedly falling short of what we expect from every other employer in the country.”
She added that, “No-one can have listened to the evidence we’ve heard over the past months and not feel compelled to act.”
She stated that it is “unacceptable” for the structure of the building and inaccessible procedures to impede the role of an MP.
“Our inquiry is ongoing, and we’ll be setting out a whole host of ambitious recommendations in the autumn, but with these quick and important actions we make this a more workable and welcoming place to all those who use it,” she said.
A Parliament spokesperson said: “It is vital that Parliament is accessible to all.”
“We understand that there is more to be done to ensure that disabled people do not face unnecessary difficulties when working in or visiting Parliament.”
They affirmed Parliament’s commitment to “making further essential adjustments.”
“In the meantime, we are getting on with work across the estate to ensure the safety of our colleagues and visitors, as well as supporting the continued business of Parliament,” they said.
Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
The couple highlight the kindness of local islanders, but would like more recognition for the blind.
Doug Poulley says he was left stranded during a journey and brought legal action against Northern.
The Wheeled Access Group worked with Dartmoor National Park to make changes to routes.
Harrow Council has been ordered to apologise and pay the man for the “injustice” he experienced.
Disability charity says it is a step forward for locals and visitors.
“`