Nadia Whittome

The Government claim that the proposed cuts are about getting disabled people into work, but they have provided no evidence that they will result in significantly more disabled people in work. Even if that was the result, there would still be some disabled people who are unable to work. They deserve support too, but under the proposals, many of them would not receive it. The proposed disability cuts mean more poverty, suffering and hardship for disabled people. One young person living with mental illness told Just Treatment, which I hosted in Parliament yesterday: “I feel suicidal when I get caught up in the thoughts of losing this life changing support.” Another says that she will not be able to access “food, shelter, and vital care” for her condition. A third young person says: “I am terrified they will take my PIP away, that I will end up homeless, and my only option will be suicide.” We should be in no doubt that these proposals will cost lives. That is not hyperbolic: the benefits system has already been a key factor in the deaths of disabled people such as my constituent Philippa Day, who tragically took an overdose and was found next to a letter from the DWP refusing a home assessment visit. If the Government go through with these disability benefit cuts, they will be making a huge mistake that the public will not forgive us for. We must be true to our values as a party and stand up for the whole of the working class, including disabled people, whether they are in work or not. It is not too late for the Government to drop these cuts. If they do not, I will vote against them.