New Green Paper Discussion - now includes accessible formats and consultation event sign up links!

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