Autism Bill in the UK Clears First Hurdle

Autism bill clears first hurdle

A Tory MP's bid to improve support for people with autism has cleared its first Commons hurdle, despite government opposition. Cheryl Gillan's bill would put a legal duty on councils and NHS services to look after people with autism. Labour claims their autism strategy would achieve the same effect without the "blunt instrument" of legislation. But Tory MPs cheered as they won a vote to stop the bill being "talked out" by 131 votes to 25 - a majority of 106. They had entered the Commons chamber to support the closure motion in unusually large numbers for a Friday and the bill was given an unopposed second reading - allowing it to move into its detailed committee stage.