About the PM's (Sunak's) speech: Stop demonising us

Catherine21

I just can't move today in bed the speech given back in November from goverment got me bad out of my mind pure terror holding onto labour thinking labour will see support us to crashing down demoralised down beaten empty but full of fear is there any hope the psychology damage is torturous the reality of is anyone going to see us help us give us one minute pea e if mind I'm trying to push forward but mentally physically I'm worn out despair is the word no Hope tired

WhatThe

One problem we have is that the disabled Labour chair of the Work and Pensions Committee has not been honest about the changes voted for in 2015 and has held his constituency seat for 30 consecutive years. Frank Field before him was not entirely honest about those changes either.

Sir Keir will need to choose his cabinet wisely and select colleagues with integrity for ministerial roles ie not one who has spent his entire career working in social security such as the one above.

Andi66

Honestly this worry is making me feel sick, I'm on esa and housing benefit, so like you I thought it was another few years before UC . I also have dyslexia and autism, I know you pay council tax yourself. It was bad enough with pip changes but now this. Can't cope

Catherine21

Same as me dyslexic autism adhd bpd you name it I'm terrified

Andi66

I've just emailed Kier Starmer, to tell of my worries, hopefully he have time to read it

Catherine21

I hear you I try to stay away from social media but I get stuck on it for hours I appear to look fine even talk fine but I'm masking years of masking leave me unable to connect to anyone have no one in my life my home I cant stand company I know I don't have the ability to hold a job will give it my all for couple months then I cant go in leave the house and there would be noting that would let me go I'm like you I cannot cope no one to talk to everyone gaslights me oh your bo OK you have noting to worry about being awake is unbearable go to cmht they say breathing exercises I cant talk let alone breathe

Catherine21

I'm going to email everyday got noting to lose

Catherine21

I've been on a group for benefits thier saying noting is in stone and even if was changes they wouldn't happen overnight and disabled groups would be fight against thier was a lady called Ellen clifford who was taking dwp to judicial court but don't know if that go ahead probley will if labour start the same things so noting is immediately worse case they said take years and have to get pass so many stages I think facing uc migration doesn't help let's get prepared with all information we need Try have restful day

Catherine21

I don't understand my head all over the place is that good or bad

WhatThe

From The Lead (never heard of it until now)

SHAMEFUL: BRITAIN HAULED BEFORE THE UN FOR VIOLATING DISABLED PEOPLE'S RIGHTS

The UK is the first nation to be found in violation of the Convention on the Rights of People With Disabilities, mainly through its abysmal austerity policies. We went to the hearing to see what the Conservative government had to say for itself. 

March 23 2024, 12.36pmBy Rachel Charlton-Dailey

ContentText

“I knew it would be ****, but just how blatant they are to sit there with straight faces and absolutely no care about what they’re coming out with is just disgusting,” says Alison Turner. 

Alison is the daughter-in-law of Errol Graham, who was found dead in his flat in 2018, having starved to death after his disability benefits were removed. 

We’re standing outside of the United Nations after a tense session of the Committee on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD), where the UK government has just given evidence on their treatment of disabled people. The reception they got from the Committee's rapporteurs was not much softer than Alison’s.

The (UNCRPD) was founded in 2006 in order to monitor different countries' progress in empowering disabled people to live independently. It was created to uphold the Convention on the Rights of People With Disabilities, which aims to “promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.” 

In their first implementation report in 2011 the UK Government said “The UK believes that the Convention is an important and necessary statement of the rights that all disabled people have, and must be able to exercise.” Though their actions in subsequent years contradicted that.

In 2016, the UN found the UK government to be the first-ever country to be in “grave violation” of the Convention.  In particular, the UN cited austerity measures that had a disproportionate effect on disabled people. These included changes to social care, housing benefits, eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payment (PIP)  and the scrapping of the Independent Living Fund. This had a role, the UN says, in breaching the following articles: 19, the right to live independently and be included in the community,  27 right to work and employment and 28 the right to adequate living standards and social protection. At the time the uk government said they “strongly disagree” and that “the Government does not accept the Report’s conclusion that there is evidence of grave and systematic violation of the rights of disabled people.”

In August 2023, the UK government were called to attend an evidence session during which representatives from Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations (DDPOs) also gave evidence. The government did not attend, which prompted disabled activists to get #WheresTom (referencing the previous Minister for Disabled People Tom Pursglove) trending.

 At the time a spokesperson from the DWP told me it had always been the government’s intention to give evidence in March. Interestingly, the DDPOs were allowed to speak at the last session, which the government did not attend.

I was invited to attend the event with the DDPO delegation, which included Disabled People Against Cuts, Disability Rights UK, Inclusion London, Disability Wales, Reclaiming Our Futures Alliance and DPAC Ireland. There were also delegates from unions including Unite the Union, TUC, Equity, CWU and the NUJ

Speaking before the hearing, NUJ president Natasha Hirst said “They will try and convince the committee they’re world leaders of disability rights, we need to challenge that”. Hirst also spoke about how it was important that although the DDPO delegation was not allowed to speak, their presence was felt online. “We want to empower disabled people so they know we’re here to hold the government to account”.

Also with the delegation were disabled people with lived experience and family members of those who have died due to government cruelty -  such as Turner who, along with her family, has spent many years taking the government to court to get justice for Errol and to ensure this doesn’t continue to happen. The family are yet to receive an apology or compensation from the government.

Going to Geneva to hold Westminster to account

Ellen Clifford from DPAC and author of The War on Disability echoed the sentiment of many in the room that we were keen to hear what the government had to say, but that it shouldn’t have come to this “I am quite depressed at the fact that we have to come all the way to Geneva to try to hold our government to account because there's no way to do it in the system we have”. This is one reason why DDPOs are pushing for the UNCRPD to be made into law.

In these events, government ministers aren’t expected to show up, no matter how great it would’ve been for the DDPO to see them answer for their actions, though it seemingly wouldn’t have been impossible as the day before Secretary of State for DWP Mel Stride was in Paris for a conference on work, which is just an hours flight away from Geneva (I know I did it).  Instead, the UK government was represented by the Deputy Director of the Disability Unit in the cabinet office, Alexandra Gowlland, and representatives from the devolved nations.  

Gowlland spoke for just 7 minutes, during which time she spoke lavishly about what the government were supposedly doing for disabled people. She said twice that “the UK government is fully committed to implementing the convention on the rights of people with disabilities” and that they “welcome this dialogue” which many in the DDPO delegation, myself included found rich considering they were sat a few rows away from us and didn’t even look at us. 

Gowlland said the UK government is “committed to transforming the benefits system and ensuring people can access the right support and have a better overall experience when applying for benefits”, whilst not mentioning the work capability assessment reform plans. She also called disability hate crime “completely unacceptable”, though many believe it’s the government's villanisation of disabled people that has led to hate.

She also highlighted papers such as The National Disability Strategy and the Disability Action Plan. Whilst she called the national disability strategy “ambitious and it will drive significant improvements to the daily lives of disabled people” Gowlland didn’t mention that it’s currently being challenged by disability rights activists in the high courts. She said the Disability Action plan would make “tangible improvements to disabled people's lives or foundations for long-term change”, but not that there was no funding attached to the plan.

The devolved nations' evidence showed the distinct difference between them and the Westminster government in their treatment of disabled people, with Wales highlighting their disability task force, but it was not enough.

Rhian Davies of Disability Wales said, “Although we are glad to see mention of the Disability Rights Taskforce and Locked Out report, we are disheartened that there was no mention that 68% of COVID-19 deaths in Wales were disabled people and that we still do not have a clear timeline on incorporation of the UNCRDP into Welsh Law.”

UK rhetoric "dehumanises disabled people"

Although the DDPOs were not allowed to speak, they did share evidence with the UK rapporteurs for the UN, which was drawn on massively when it came time for them to question the government.

Rosemary Kayess, chair of the UNCRPD, brought the government to task in her response, during which she said  “Reforms within social welfare benefits are premised on a notion that disabled people are undeserving and skiving off and defrauding the system. This has resulted in hate speech and hostility towards disabled people.” She continued that the government had created “a pervasive framework and rhetoric that dehumanises disabled people”.

The other Rapporteur  - Dr Laverne Jacobs -  cited evidence they had received and a 2015 study that linked WCA reassessments to approximately 600 suicides in three years and linked many disabled people’s mental health crises to the disability assessment process. She told the UK Government that there is a “significant and shameful gap between the conventions requirements and the lived experience of disabled people”

Despite being asked questions by the committee specifically on benefits deaths, the government did not even acknowledge the scale of deaths the policies have caused. This is something Turner wasn’t surprised by 

“I think it's just them, keeping themselves away from it. Because they know that they've caused it, they are the sole cause of the harm that's been done and the extreme level of deaths that's been happening and they haven't got an answer for that.”

Some in the delegation voiced disbelief that the government seemed to feel no particular shame in being hauled before the UN in that manner.  no shame about the fact they had been hauled to the UN. “They should be embarrassed. It's embarrassing that we are the fifth wealthiest country in the world and we are still leaving people to die of starvation after their benefits are being removed” Rensa Gaunt from Inclusion London told me. 

“They say they’re world leaders but the only thing they’re leaders in is being the first to be investigated by the UN under the Convention of the Rights of disabled people, congratulations!” concluded Gaunt.

Despite the government’s evidence being as disappointing as many expected, it has only galvanised the disabled people’s movement. As the event was live-streamed, viewers were encouraged to tweet along using the hashtag #CRDP24* and at one point it was trending in the UK. 

“All of us together sought to shine a light on the truth of our perilous situation. The fact that the UK Government and the devolved administrations sought to hide in the dark refusing to answer directly the questions of this esteemed Committee is shameful” said Tony O’Reilly, on behalf of the Northern Irish Delegation in a statement

“But we know the Committee valued and respected our contribution. Our efforts will not be in vain. Our fight for justice, equality and human dignity will continue to flourish thanks to the work and support of DPAC and the wider coalition of UK DDPOs.”

“It’s important we go back and fight against the government and ensure the next government enshrine the convention in domestic law”, said Clifford. 

Take action:

• Tell your MP to incorporate the UNCRPD into UK law.

Catherine21

But the goverment did noting ??

Catherine21

Even with all that noting changed no hope

Andi66

Could someone email Kier Starmer with these findings and ask if it would be put into UK law.

Remember when Cameron got in and shut all the disabled working places down employ or something, so those workers lost their jobs and they say about disabled getting work,when smug face Cameron whose back in there ,caused it. Unbelievable

Catherine21

I'm no good at writing outside o would I have emailed 5 times o better stop but I'm full of terror

Adrian_Scope

Hi everyone,

I hope you’re all doing okay. I know there's a lot of anxiety about the upcoming general election, especially about what the results might mean for disabled people. It’s completely natural to feel this way, and I want to remind you that we’re all in this together.

Taking care of our mental health is crucial during times like these. Here are some resources that can offer support and comfort:

1. Mind: Mind provides advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They have a variety of resources available online and a helpline you can call. Visit their website at Mind or call 0300 123 3393.
2. Samaritans: Sometimes, we just need someone to listen. Samaritans are available 24/7. You can call them at 116 123 or visit their website at Samaritans.
3. Rethink Mental Illness: This charity offers expert advice and information to everyone affected by mental health problems. Their website is Rethink, and their helpline is 0300 5000 927.
4. Disability Rights UK: They provide information and advice for disabled people, including on issues that might arise from political changes. Their website is Disability Rights UK.
5. NHS Mental Health Services: The NHS offers a range of mental health services that can be accessed through your GP. More information can be found at NHS Mental Health Services.
6. Scope: Scope provides practical information and emotional support for disabled people and their families. Check out their resources at Scope or call their helpline at 0808 800 3333.
7. Together for Mental Wellbeing: This organisation offers support for people with mental health issues to help them lead fulfilling lives. Their website is Together for Mental Wellbeing.
8. Shout: Shout offers a free, confidential 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone struggling to cope. Text "SHOUT" to 85258 or visit Shout.
9. The Mix: Aimed at people under 25, The Mix offers support and advice on various issues, including mental health. Visit their website at The Mix or call their helpline at 0808 808 4994.
10. CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): CALM provides support for anyone feeling down or in crisis. Visit their website at CALM or call their helpline at 0800 58 58 58.

It’s perfectly okay to feel overwhelmed or scared. Remember to reach out to friends and family who can offer support and lend a listening ear. And don’t hesitate to contact any of the organisations above if you need more help.

Take care of yourselves, and remember that we’re here for each other.

Catherine21

Thankyou so much for everything scope does means alot to know we're not alone

Andi66

Thank you, I wish we weren't treated this way, it's appalling. I will get in touch with those you mentioned.

Andi66

I've been reading about the migration to UC on disability news and its scary to say the least. I have written on another post asking questions. Plus I be worse off from esa to uc by what you get for over 25.

kiwicherry8

Hi All, Firstly, I haven't posted much on here but please be aware of this for a start if you vote - Conservative you know what they are going to do with us. Labour - I have seen Rachel Reeves with my own eyes on GB News saying the disabled are all going back to work and Reform are not telling you but, the NHS will end up with us going private. This is all from what I have seen and heard. I don't even want to vote now. I cannot go back to work and I have tried many times.

I feel so ill and very worried I have had to have a couple of urgent Doctors appointments because I haven't been able to cope for a while (six years in fact). I only got these appointments as I am that bad now as I have been waiting months to see my proper G.P that never has any appointments. I cannot put on here what's totally up but it is many, many problems and not everyday ones. I have told people "higher up" and they are shocked by it all. It is not getting any better. You get rid of one problem and then another comes up just as bad. My dog died this year too and it's made me feel even worse. I have had to ring the local mental health hub etc.. I doubt things are going to get any better for me. I have never cried so much in my life. Social services know about it all and I am waiting for a visit from a Social prescriber soon. I have also been told I am not getting the care I need and deserve. (Sorry, if I have upset anyone on here).

Andi66

So sorry what your going through, I've been on a mental health waiting list for 4 years, and just had my appointments a month ago. The torys have ruined the NHS.