Like them, I am deeply concerned about the likely impact of these damaging measures but also about some of the language used to describe disabled people that have been expressed by UK Ministers alongside them.
The reforms to social security set out in the UK Government's Pathways to Work Green Paper make it clear that the UK Government is prioritising spending cuts over the welfare of sick and disabled people across the UK.
And some of the accompanying rhetoric has reinforced prejudiced attitudes to those who are eligible for benefits due to being disabled or having health conditions, particularly in relation to mental health conditions, and the cost of providing the support they need.
We know that stigma and shame associated with disability benefits can stop some people from coming forward and applying for the support they are entitled to.
Some of the comments made over recent weeks risk heightening that stigma.
Last week, I heard about the negative impacts this has had on disabled people and the manner in which these reforms were announced created widespread worry.
I have written to the UK Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall to ask that she and her government scrap their misguided proposals.
It is hugely disappointing the UK Government did not consult with either the Scottish Government or disabled people themselves before announcing reforms.
We could have told her about Scotland's very different approach through the establishment of Social Security Scotland, which treats those who apply for support with dignity and respect.
We also know that disabled people are already disproportionately affected by poverty and the cost-of-living crisis.
Acc...
The reforms to social security set out in the UK Government's Pathways to Work Green Paper make it clear that the UK Government is prioritising spending cuts over the welfare of sick and disabled people across the UK.
And some of the accompanying rhetoric has reinforced prejudiced attitudes to those who are eligible for benefits due to being disabled or having health conditions, particularly in relation to mental health conditions, and the cost of providing the support they need.
We know that stigma and shame associated with disability benefits can stop some people from coming forward and applying for the support they are entitled to.
Some of the comments made over recent weeks risk heightening that stigma.
Last week, I heard about the negative impacts this has had on disabled people and the manner in which these reforms were announced created widespread worry.
I have written to the UK Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall to ask that she and her government scrap their misguided proposals.
It is hugely disappointing the UK Government did not consult with either the Scottish Government or disabled people themselves before announcing reforms.
We could have told her about Scotland's very different approach through the establishment of Social Security Scotland, which treats those who apply for support with dignity and respect.
We also know that disabled people are already disproportionately affected by poverty and the cost-of-living crisis.
Acc...
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Daily Record (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 24, 2025