Green Paper Discussion - includes accessible formats and consultation event sign up links!
Comments
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Labour are a party of charlatans who've masqueraded as a party which stands for the rights of the workers, the poor, disabled, elderly and vulnerable.
Then the Tories and Reform who only care about pensioners because of the fact they're a voting bloc, if pensioners didn't bother to vote they'd would get kicked to the curve given the cold and calculated nature of those parties.
There needs to be a way where disabled people are under a political umbrella as a voting bloc. The facts are disabled people have to fight every single day to survive in a society which is being conditioned to see them as a burden on the the state.
I want Starmer, Badenoch and Farage to grasp this fact as all 3 cheer on cuts, that if anyone dies because of these cuts then I hope to god they have the best handwash on the market.
I have a problem with powerful people who refuse to acknowledge the consequences of their own actions, especially people whose job descriptions play an important role in the lives other people.
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Yes — there is positive news! @Topcat71
Every day, our voices are getting louder and harder to ignore. People are contacting MPs, Lords, APPGs (All-Party Parliamentary Groups), and even writing directly to Keir Starmer.
And the best part? We are united -and growing stronger together.We’re hearing that many MPs are worried about losing their seats, and even within the Labour Party, there’s real unrest.
Our stories are making a difference. Our pressure is working.If you’re feeling stuck about who else to write to, don’t worry-even just one heartfelt personal impact story can spark change. Additionally,keep sharing your story with MPs(even out of area), advocacy groups,through social media -anyone who will listen and fight with us.So please don’t lose heart. As I said recently in this and the other related threads , every story, every email, every follow-up matters. It is working.
This isn’t over. We are powerful together. Let’s keep going-for ourselves, for each other, and for everyone who have lost the strength to fight right now.
In solidarity ✊
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Thanks for asking, @Martinp.
I’m doing ok!😊-like many, I’m just going through a tough time with my health.
But when it comes to the fight against these immoral cuts, I’m fierier than ever!🔥
Hope all is well at your end too.In solidarity ✊
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A new DPO? I've just googled them and nothing came up.
I'd like to know who they are before clicking on a link.
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Thanks so much for your lovely reply, @Santosha12.
Oh dear, I’m really sorry to hear you’ve been unwell with your ear pain -ouch, that’s horrible! I remember when I had one last year… it was one of the most intense pains I’ve ever felt. I literally couldn’t do anything, so I can imagine how rough it must be for you.5th lot of antibiotics in just a few months -bless you, that’s really tough.
And Rice Krispies?? Really? Oh no!
Do you think it’s the sugar or something else in them that triggered it? 🤔🤔I’m so glad you’re still managing to draft your consultation response despite everything — you’re amazing! 🫡
Thanks so much for asking about me.
If I’m being honest, I’m struggling quite a bit since the trip -the fatigue really kicked everything off worse. I’m in a severe flare-up now, not just with my shoulder but with the general chronic and neuropathic pain too.
I’m trying to take it as easy as I can though, just pacing myself gently.I really hope you’re starting to feel a little bit better now. Sending lots of healing vibes your way -fingers crossed that this round of antibiotics finally does the trick!
Take good care of yourself, and rest up when you can.In solidarity and friendship always ✊🙏🏽
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Be aware that DWP harvests information through social media and consultations so better to not overshare your 'stories'.
DWP has mastered the art of excuses.
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Thanks ever so much but I'm so sorry that you're struggling with pain and I really hope that pacing and taking things slowly things stabilise more for you. I am most definitely not amazing - I started this letter c 3 weeks ago so must finish and send it this week. (It's took me several months to write a separate complaint letter which still isn't finished and I don't have the luxury of time now with this consultation !).
Oh no the Rice Krispies I had for tea as felt too unwell to have a proper meal but only had a small amount as it was the constant crunching/jaw movement hurt ears more 😅 would have been better with weetabix or something without the Snap, Crackle and Pop 🤣.
I hope you have a good day today or that at least each day is a little better for you. Everything you do on here is amazing and inspiring and I thank you; I don't underestimate how much that takes especially when you have family too. I've had to take things slowly as had a bad downturn in my mental health and it's been quite scary. Take very good care and I'm thinking of you 🤗 🙏.
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Maybe it's yourself who ought to check back on some of the awful posts and stay on track, unless of course you are defending the snipes on immigration and pensioners.
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Show me the post so I can see .
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Well said, we need to stick together not bicker and snipe at others views, it should be a forum with compassion, help, or just a place to get friendly reassurance, you shouldn't have to worry about certain people being off hand, critical, and some going over old policies from 20 years ago. Whilst I appreciate they are important issues, the bigger picture is the here and now,a nd what this government is doing, not one that was in power 20 years ago. If I hear Ian-Duncan Smiths name again on this thread I'll be having nightmares of him chasing me around JCP shouting sanctions, sanctions!!
Please be kind to each other, we're not the enemy here, this cruel Labour government are the issue……..not us.
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People put forward a great many disparate proposals, but they lose the point. Because you are too focused on the trees, you don't see the forest.
What we need to demand:- Banning the filling of the hole in the budget at the expense of payments to the disabled and pensioners.
- No reforms to the DWP at all without a three-year preliminary discussion.
- Do not mix the disabled and pensioners with any other social groups.
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I am so confused on here about the pensioner comments that got deleted , which can only have been deleted by admin , I just don't know what happened , someone mistaken me for another poster . I hate this because my autism kicks in on overdrive and I want justice , I never said anything about pensioners so it makes it very difficult for me .
Regarding dimming the sun , the sky is always full of chemtrails that turn to a covering of white dust to block out the sun , I can see mother nature dealing with this though , the sun is more powerful and still shines through , but what's the point of solar panels if they want to dim the sun lol . I think this is some sort of wake up call to show us what the evil ones are trying to do to us . We need vit D and if they can dim the sun we all get sick , get rid of us anyway they can . Evil .
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Hi @WhatThe,
Thank you for raising valid points.
I came across Disability Rebellion (DR) through a post shared on “The Canary” newsfeed . Like many here, I was not previously active on social media—but I joined platforms like X and Bluesky solely to find and support movements standing against the current DWP’s Pathways to Work Green Paper proposal. After watching and interacting silently for a few days, I chose to follow them as I felt their aims strongly aligned with the urgency and threat I and many others are experiencing.
I acknowledge that DR is a new and developing group, which may explain its limited visibility via search engines and the lack of a standalone website. I’ve already asked whether they plan to expand accessibility and formal registration, and I await a reply. The point you raised about accessibility is absolutely valid-and this is something all groups representing disabled people must address to be truly representative.
Now, I must be transparent: I am speaking up because I am genuinely in survival mode. The government’s green paper proposals are not just policy to me-they represent an existential threat to my livelihood, my children’s wellbeing, and our basic dignity. I’ve never faced such a situation before-my health is deteriorating, I’m unable to work despite my desire to, and I live with multiple long-term conditions. These proposals, if implemented, could push thousands-including families with children-into extreme poverty or worse. It is now very clear to the disabled community that the DWP has deliberately set up this exclusionary proposal and consultation to silence and sideline our voices -but for me, staying silent is simply no longer an option.
I understand your concern about data safety: you mentioned, “DWP harvests information through social media and consultations, so better to not overshare your stories.” That is a real worry for many. However, I believe that honest, relevant stories are one of the few powerful tools we still have to resist policy that dehumanises us. I am not asking anyone to share beyond what is necessary to illustrate the impact these proposals would have. Everyone has an informed choice-and no one should feel compelled to act if they aren’t comfortable. I completely respect that.
What I am doing is grounded in the rights that we all hold:
• Article 10 of the Human Rights Act protects our right to freedom of expression, including political speech and campaigning.
• Article 11 gives us the right to peaceful assembly and association.
• Article 14 protects us from discrimination in how these rights are applied.
• And the Equality Act 2010 ensures we are protected against discrimination on the grounds of disability.
The consultation itself is already exclusionary in format, and I believe that many of us must use whatever safe and legal avenues we have-whether Scope, Benefits & Work, X, Bluesky, or beyond-to amplify our voices. If we refrain out of fear, then the policies that threaten our basic survival go unchallenged.
Still, I agree fully: people must exercise caution and autonomy. Whether it’s DR, DPAC, Scope, or any other space-if any group doesn’t feel right, we always have the option to step back. Personally, I only engage in lawful, respectful advocacy and civil expression, and I encourage the same.
My intention is never to pressure anyone or cause fear. Rather, I hope to empower others who, like me, are desperately trying to protect what little they have left-by speaking out, within our rights, and standing in solidarity. I appreciate everyone who engages, even when we differ. That’s how communities grow stronger.
Let’s all continue to inform our MPs, respond meaningfully to the consultation via email, and look after each other during these difficult times.
In Solidarity
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This individual's profile has been elevated to a DPO somewhere along the line.
A DPO? This needs explanation.
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Good morning @Santosha12,
Ah bless you -thank you so much for your warm and kind words. They really do mean a lot, especially coming from someone who’s also going through so much.And don’t worry — your Rice Krispies comment gave me a much-needed smile! 😉I can totally picture the Snap, Crackle and Pop making your ears go “nope, not today!” Maybe next time it’s Weetabix all the way, nice and quiet! I’m a porridge fan myself-soft, warm, and no drama! 🤣😆
Taking time to write your consultation response and that complaint letter, even while feeling unwell and dealing with a dip in mental health, is no small feat. That’s real strength, even if it might not feel like it. Please take it slow!!Like you, I also took ages writing the consultation response. It’s been such a strategic task, and with everything else going on, it’s exhausting. I’m still in the middle of a tribunal appeal too, and only just got some positive news after putting in a complaint (regarding closure of my council’s welfare support services)-the council’s finally agreed to allocate me a bespoke welfare officer after saying they weren’t accepting any new appeals. It’s just relentless, isn’t it? As disabled people, we always seem to be forced into battles just to access what should already be in place for us. It’s not right, and it wears you down.
But like you said, pacing is key -and being kind to ourselves. I’m also doing my best to look after my mental health, though the constant pain and physical health issues do make it really tough at times. Our health really matters, and I truly hope you start to feel a bit better soon, even if it’s just little by little. You’ve got so much courage, and I just want to say I’m thinking of you too 🤗please keep being kind to yourself. One step at a time is more than enough.
And to others reading -if you’re feeling overwhelmed or just plain tired, you’re not alone. None of us signed up to be campaigners or warriors, yet here we are, doing the best we can for ourselves and others. And that’s something to be proud of. Whether it’s sending in a consultation response, posting on here, or just getting through the day -it all counts.
Sending strength and warmth to you @santosha12, and to everyone here. 💪🏼Let’s keep lifting each other up -we need that now more than ever. 🙏🏽
Take care2 -
I get what you mean- I think people are just trying every avenue now to stop what’s coming. Would you consider starting your own petition with those key points?
Best Wishes!
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MW, I don't do small talk - I am autistic! I can't write streams, either.
"A new DPO", coming from where? Nobody can just call themselves a DPO because it sounds important!
Knowing that smoke and mirrors were used every time benefits were 'reformed', I don't accept anything at face value. Social media can't be trusted to deliver facts.
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Tell the person who wrote that post to not use abbreviations, thanks!
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