Mental health

Catherine21 · August 19

Dear Catherine, Thank you for contacting me. I recognise that the Government's proposed welfare reforms have been a source of uncertainty and anxiety for people, and I welcome the development that all of those currently receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) will stay within the current system. I want to assure you that no changes will be made to PIP eligibility criteria until the Government has concluded its review of the assessment process. I have been feeding into the review process, and ensured that a disabled constituent attended a roundtable discussion with the Minister so that they could share their views on what parts of the PIP eligibility criteria and assessment need to change. As a Labour MP, I believe in a welfare state that is there for all of us when we need it, now and in the future, that protects the most vulnerable, and that delivers equality and dignity for all. There will always be some people who cannot work, and the Universal Credit Bill will protect them. The Bill will ensure that 200,000 individuals with the most severe disabling conditions are never again called for Universal Credit (UC) reassessments.

I would also like to reassure you that anyone currently in receipt of the UC health component will have their benefits protected in real terms, while they benefit from a higher standard allowance. I believe that those who can work should, and those who cannot, should be protected. Under the previous Conservative Government, people with disabilities and vulnerabilities were unfairly targeted, dehumanised, while those who wanted to work but faced barriers were written off. This is why I back the Government's record £1 billion investment in tailored employment support for disabled people. This comes alongside efforts to break down barriers to work and create healthier, more inclusive workplaces. As a former trade union rep and trade union officer, I know the real, positive impact work can have on people's mental and physical health. I strongly believe that disabled people deserve the same opportunities as everybody else. In recent months, I have met with Worthing Jobcentre Plus and attended their Disability Confident Employer event to hear more about how employers can support people to find good,

important commitment. Last year, I stood on a manifesto which stated that Palestinian statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. This is not in the gift of any neighbour, and is essential to the long-term security of Israel, and is part of a wider plan for peace aimed at ending the suffering in Gaza and re-establishing a pathway to a two-state solution. We will work with our closest allies to develop a credible plan for peace. The UK Government have previously demonstrated this by signing a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Palestinian Authority and hosting the Palestinian Prime Minister in London. Along with this Labour Government, I am committed to a renewed peace process and the two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. The Prime Minister has been clear that no one side will have a veto on recognition of a Palestinian state, and that recognition by itself will not change the disastrous situation on the ground. Since the Labour Government was elected last year, it has restored funding to UNRWA and provided £129 million in humanitarian assistance to the Occupied Territories

The Government have also previously worked with Jordan to fly medicines into Gaza, and with Kuwait to support UNICEF to help vulnerable families in Gaza. The Government has throughout supported the International Court of Justice and its independence, as well as the provisional measures it has set out and believes Israel has an obligation to implement them. In the West Bank, I believe Israel must halt settlements, and therefore I support the UK Government's decision to sanction more extremist settlers responsible for, or supporting, violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. We have also condemned in the strongest terms the extreme rhetoric used by far-right Israeli ministers, and I have personally raised this with the Foreign Secretary. I know there are current concerns regarding the F- 35 programme. I want to assure you this has been raised several times with ministers by colleagues across the House. Where F-35 parts are going directly to Israel from the UK, they are suspended, but the UK is unable to directly and solely control any potential onward transmission from the global spares pool, which creates this at least theoretical risk of parts indirectly ending up in Israel.

In my view, the F-35 programme must continue not only for reasons of our own national security, but that of our allies, including Ukraine. At a moment of critical vulnerability for European security, the Government must act responsibly across all their interests and maintain the programme to ensure the defence of NATO allies. I support the Government's decision to suspend approximately 30 licences that were assessed as at risk of being used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Although I understand your view may differ, I hope it is reassuring to know that ministers continue to review export licences for items to Israel. Our Plan for Peace is an ambitious one. It builds on the concrete actions this Government has taken since we came to office - from suspending arms licenses, sanctioning far-right Israeli ministers and suspending trade negotiations, restoring funding to UNRWA, to our nearly a quarter of a billion pounds of humanitarian support, our support for hostage families and our landmark agreement with the Palestinian Authority. We will keep acting until we [text missing from screenshot]

of humanitarian support, our support for hostage families and our landmark agreement with the Palestinian Authority. We will keep acting until we reach the goal of peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians. I want to assure you I will continue to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, for a surge of aid to Gazans in desperate need and the unconditional release of hostages cruelly held by Hamas. If you do need my support in receiving the benefits to which you are entitled, please get in touch, and my team and I will do our very best to support you. Details of local support services are copied below, should you require their help. Thank you once again for contacting me. Kind regards, Tom Rutland Member of Parliament for East Worthing and Shoreham

Chris75_ · August 19

A parody short novel, published in 1968 for The Harvard Lampoon.

By a different author, and much later, I have both - The Soddit and The Sellamillion, by A.R.R.R. Roberts.

Chris75_ · August 19

The Soddit is very funny, particularly if you remember the Premiership of Tony Blair.

Catherine21 · August 19

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1060313#Comment_1060313

You can feel it in the air I rarely go out I'd get a taxi try hide fifi in bag she's a chihuahua but she don't stay still taxis won't take yh back out Thursday dreading it I looked around the town the streets it was sad rubbish everywhere all shops shut just so broken down really feel the poverty and destruction of society

Rosie_Scope · August 19

Sorry you're feeling so rubbish @Grumpy1314, hope you can manage to do your errands quickly tomorrow and get back home. Try not to put pressure on yourself if you're not feeling up to things though 💛

durhamjaide2001 · August 19

good afternoon everyone

durhamjaide2001 · August 20

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1060516#Comment_1060516

oh I'm really sorry to hear that you are leaving this forum but I know it might not be a good bye but see you later

Catherine21 · August 20

God woke up full of anxiety shaking

durhamjaide2001 · August 20

oh no I have been shaking and shivering but not anxiety related

luvpink · August 20

I am good at the moment but feeling exhausted a lot.

durhamjaide2001 · August 21

good morning everyone

luvpink · August 21

Good morning

I am so fatigued again today.

Its enough to drag anyone down but I am trying to remain positive.

Holly_Scope · August 21

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1060908#Comment_1060908

Same from me as well @Catherine21. 🙂

Catherine21 · August 21

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1061059#Comment_1061059

Thankyou Holly just sitting here in waiting mode hope your well

Mary_Scope · August 22

Sounds lovely @Bluebell21, what a relaxing day!

luvpink · August 22

@Bluebell21

Enjoy your pampering session.

durhamjaide2001 · August 22

good morning everyone enjoy your pamper day today Bluebell I had a pamper season on Wednesday as well at home I had my hair washed and blow-dried and my gels removed on my fingers and toes

luvpink · August 23

Feeling exhausted again but managing to remain .

positive.

Catherine21 · August 23

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1061347#Comment_1061347

OOh Nice enjoy

Albus_Scope · August 23

Sorry to hear that @Grumpy1314 unfortunately we do have new sets of rules that we have to legally stick to, along with safeguarding rules that will be in place for the majority of forums, so it's just a case of being a bit careful with the language being used.

We're all here for support still!

Mental health

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