Families will travel to Westminster tomorrow to demand the legal right to visit their loved ones in health and care settings.

The campaign is being led by Care Rights UK (the new name of the charity bringing together the Relatives & Residents Association and Rights For Residents) and campaign group John’s Campaign.

Julia Jones, co-founder of John’s Campaign, said: “It may seem extraordinary that we need legislation to ensure that when we are ill, frightened, lonely or approaching the end of our lives in a health or social care institution, we will be able to rely on the presence of someone dear to us. Sadly, we have learned enough, suffered enough to know that we cannot rely on guidance or goodwill to make this happen for everyone. Collectively we have lost trust in the ability of the system to respond to our most basic human need, to be loved and cherished as an individual when we cannot manage for ourselves. This law is vital to rebuild our confidence.”

The campaign for a new legal right for people using health and care services to have the support of a family carer (Gloria’s Law) is being supported by celebrities, MPs and over 70 organisations.

The event in Parliament on 6 June will coincide with the tabling of a Ten Minute Rule Bill, the ‘Care Supporters Bill’. The Bill has been tabled by Labour MP Dan Carden, with the support of a coalition of MPs: Conservative MP Tracey Crouch, Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper, and Plaid Cymru Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts. 

During the event, the care minister and health minister will hear directly from families about the severe harm caused by isolation in hospitals and care homes.

Over 60 MPs previously wrote to the secretary of state to demand this new law is passed. Many celebrities have also publicly pledged their support for Gloria’s Law, including: Stephen Fry, Martine McCutcheon, Russell T Davies, Jason Manford, Robson Green, Alice Beer, Hermione Norris, Denise Welch, Penny Smith, Colin McFarlane and Russell Watson.