Campaigners have launched a petition demanding an urgent rule change for supermarkets across the UK, including Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Asda. The petition calls on these retailers to ensure the provision of emergency stoma kits, aiming to prevent shoppers from feeling embarrassed in critical situations.
Petition Details
The petition, created by Zoe Harding on the parliamentary petition website, has a deadline of 8 December 2026. It will be debated in Parliament if it reaches 100,000 signatures and will receive a government response at 10,000 signatures.
The petition urges the Labour Party to mandate that emergency stoma kits be available in supermarkets and shopping centres, similar to sanitary products. Harding stated: "We want the Government to help people who are in a situation with their stoma bags not feel embarrassed by mandating that emergency kits are available in supermarkets and shopping centres, like sanitary products."
Personal Story
Harding shared a personal experience: "My husband, who has now sadly passed away, was once in a situation where his bag has split. The glue wasn't sticking on his spare and we had no alternative. It is difficult for people to imagine how that feels." She added that she visited multiple pharmacies but was told a prescription was needed. "In an emergency, I think it's a little bit demoralising to have to worry about the risk when it could be easily solved."
Previous Efforts
In February, a man from the North East, Andrew Parker, told the BBC he wanted emergency stoma packs in public toilets. Parker, from West Allotment, North Tyneside, has been handing out kits to venues and football clubs. After cancer surgery, he said: "I was probably more upset about the thought of having a stoma than being told I had cancer." He now enjoys football and social activities, adding: "I go to the football, I go out for a couple of drinks – I do everything I've always wanted to do." Parker hopes major retailers will stock certified emergency packs nationwide, saying: "If that happens, there won't be a problem left for me to solve."
