Tanni Grey-Thompson, along with other disability advocates, has voiced strong criticism against the government's proposed benefit cuts, describing them as "brutal and reckless." The Paralympic champion and cross-bench peer highlighted how the negative discourse surrounding welfare changes has fueled animosity towards disabled individuals in the UK. She shared that many disabled people have reported being harassed in public, with strangers threatening them about potential benefit reductions.
Grey-Thompson expressed concern over the current climate, stating, "It's a challenging time for disabled people." She worries that these changes might not effectively encourage employment but rather push those barely managing into deeper poverty.
Sophie Morgan, a paraplegic TV presenter and disability advocate, also condemned the cuts, arguing that the scapegoating of disabled people is not only harmful but potentially deadly. She warned that history shows such measures often have the opposite effect of their intended purpose, leading to increased unemployment and poverty. Morgan emphasized that the cuts would impact all disabled individuals in the UK and urged everyone to be concerned about the government's approach to those with the greatest needs.
Morgan further dispelled the misconception that disabled people are merely recipients of aid, stressing that taking away support prevents them from contributing to society equally, including participating in the workforce.
On Tuesday, Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, announced changes to benefits, including stricter eligibility for personal independence payments (PIP) and revisions to the assessment process, along with cuts to health-related universal credit. Charities and disability advocacy groups have criticized these measures, arguing they will drive more disabled people into poverty.
Mikey Erhardt from Disability Rights UK stated that the reforms, amounting to £5 billion in cuts, are not about helping disabled people find work but are instead harsh and reckless. He pointed out that the increase in PIP claims reflects the government's failure to create a fairer society.
Paul Kissack, CEO of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, criticized the government for taking steps that could increase the need for food banks among disabled people, despite their pledge to eliminate such reliance. He noted that the significant cuts could undermine positive reforms like the "right to try guarantee" aimed at helping people return to work.
Disabled activist Dermot Devlin shared his emotional reaction to Kendall's speech, describing it as devastating for the disabled community. He expressed uncertainty about how the changes might affect him personally, given the lack of clarity on the new parameters. Devlin relies on PIP for essential expenses, such as his mobility vehicle and breathing mask, and fears that removing this support will plunge many disabled individuals further into poverty. He lamented the growing hostility towards disabled people and the increasing sense of exclusion from society.