Read our response to Isabel Oakeshott's recent comments:
James Taylor, Executive Director of Strategy and Social Change at disability equality charity Scope, said:
“Isabel Oakeshott’s views on people who claim benefits belong in the past.
Calling people “parasites” is utterly disgraceful and fuels a dangerous and damaging narrative that we are today calling out.
No disabled person who draws on the benefits system is living a life of luxury as Ms Oakeshott claims.
In fact, for many it’s the complete opposite. Huge numbers of disabled people are unable to afford the basics to have a decent standard of living, even with benefits.
On top of this many disabled people are pushing hard for jobs.
There are a million disabled people in the UK who want to work, but are denied the opportunity because of employers' negative attitudes, delays getting the right support and inflexible working practices.
Benefits serve a vital function in society. Like the NHS, they are a service that any of us might need to draw on at any time in life.
Putting an end to the use of harmful language like this helps move us one step further towards an equal future for all.”
