North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, and the Prime Minister Theresa May, have used PMQs to praise Swindon's Maisie Sly for the role she played in the Oscar winning film The Silent Child.
Maisie, who was born profoundly deaf, plays the character of Libby, a deaf child born to hearing parents who struggle to communicate with their daughter. Libby becomes distant and isolated until a social worker, played by Rachel Shenton, comes to visit.
Justin joined Maisie for a special pre-Oscar screening of the film in Swindon last month, before joining the cast & crew to answer questions on the work being undertaken to improve support for people who have hearing loss or are profoundly deaf.
During his time as the Minister for Disabled People, Justin worked closely with charities including Action on Hearing Loss and National Deaf Children's Society, and has recently highlighted the importance of British Sign Language provision during a debate in Parliament.
Maisie, who attends Red Oaks school, joined the rest of the cast in Hollywood on Sunday night as The Silent Child took home the Academy Award for Best Short Film (Live Action).
At PMQs, Justin & the Prime Minister praised the inspirational work of Maisie, and highlighted the important role Red Oaks School in Redhouse has played in ensuring Maisie can reach her full potential.
