Lord (Alf) Morris Of Machester, First Minister For Disabled, Dies Aged 84
We have lost one of our first high profile campaigners. This is sad news and a sad day for the Disability Rights world.
Disability rights pioneer and Labour peer Lord Morris of Manchester has died at the age of 84.
As Alf Morris, he was MP for Manchester Wythenshawe from 1964 to 1997 and became the UK’s first minister for the disabled in 1974.
His work led to the first disability rights legislation, 1970’s Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act.
Baroness Royall, Labour leader in the Lords, said he had “transformed the lives of millions”.
She said she was “deeply saddened” by the death of the peer, whom she described as a champion of disabled people.
“With his Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act – the very first act to give rights to people with disabilities – he transformed the lives of millions and millions of people throughout the world,” she said.
“He championed the rights of disabled people, including injured service personnel, throughout his life and was deeply committed to public service.”
Lord Morris died in hospital on Sunday after a short illness. He is survived by his wife, Irene, two sons and two daughters.
Same Difference 
I feel as though a light has gone out somewhere. Alf championed the sick and disabled, mainly carved from his own life experiences at home as a young man. The introduction of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Person’s Act in 1970 was the foundation for disability rights. A masterpiece of legislation.
So sorry to hear of the death of Lord (Alf) Morris of Manchester. RIP.
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I feel the same this was a man who cared for disabled people and their rights, not enough of people like this wonderful man around anymore. God bless
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A tribute to The Rt. Hon. The Lord Morris of Manchester AO QSO
From The Disability Times Trust (also known as The Citizens Trust)
2 Craven Road, Ealing, London W5 2UA
Lord Morris has been the active Chairman of this Charity since 1997 and will be sorely missed, not only by our Chief Executive, Mrs.TK Moore MBE, but also the Trustee Directors and all the staff. He was a charismatic and caring man with a strong sense of right and wrong, and a love of people. He had a gentle, but persuasive manner, and his help and that of his wife Lady Irene Morris, in the founding of this very successful Charity, was invaluable. His passion was to fight for fairness and indeed the rights of disabled and disadvantage groups. His Chronically Sick and Disabled persons Act 1970 was the forerunner of the Disability Discrimination Act, which he finally guided through both Houses in 1997. It was the privilege of this organisation, through its ‘Disability Times Newspaper’ (a voice of conscience for a caring nation) to play a significant part in supporting the powerful lobby assembled by Lord Morris and his fellow friends and politicians. He was a delightful person and a distinguished politician, greatly respected and highly regarded by Members of both Houses, regardless of political persuasion.
Mrs. TK Moore MBE
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