To my MP. By now, you’ve likely seen reports about Keir’s discussions with MPs regarding potential cuts to disability benefits. My friends and I are deeply distressed by this news. People are genuinely scared, Gareth—really frightened.
This constant drip-drip of information is causing immense anxiety and distress. It’s not hyperbole to say we’re now imagining futures marked by increased poverty and destitution. Some have even indicated this could be the final straw.
Surely, this can’t be the government’s intention? Can it?
This is no longer a messaging issue; it’s bad policy. It’s deliberate cruelty born of a misguided sense of moral obligation. Who is advising on this? The attitude conveyed is frankly unbelievable.
This is NOT what people voted for. Public opinion stands in direct opposition to what Keir suggests. Recent polls indicate that 74% of people either support current disability benefits or think they should be increased.
I’ll be direct: PIP must not become means-tested. Even right-wing Tory governments who introduced DLA and replaced it with PIP avoided means-testing. Means-testing is costly, arbitrary, and unfair. We’ve discussed this previously—cuts to disability benefits aren’t just morally indefensible; they’re economically short-sighted and legally questionable. Benefits must also not be frozen; the system already fails far too many people.
The government fails to explain clearly that PIP actually helps many people remain in employment. Reducing eligibility risks pushing more people out of work, thus reducing tax contributions—a completely counterproductive approach. This ideological pursuit against universality must be robustly challenged.
Equally concerning is a message repeated by some Labour MPs: “Labour; the clue is in the name,” implying Labour only supports people who are working, not people like me and my friends. Hearing this was devastating—a brutal, callous kick. Such rhetoric is something we expect from other parties, not Labour.
…cuts to disability benefits aren’t just morally indefensible; they’re economically short-sighted and legally questionable.
An unnamed MP quoted by BBC News effectively echoes “work sets you free.” The comparison is chilling.
I’m writing this filled with fear and anxiety, frequently breaking down in tears. The constant uncertainty and lack of compassion since the New Year has created a hostile environment. We feel treated as burdens, with contempt (“it’s unfair disabled people get money”) and distrust (suggestions of monitoring our bank accounts).
The idea that “there are too many” claiming disability benefits ignores reality. The pandemic and Long Covid continue to disable people. The virus isn’t gone—it still affects health severely, causing mental, cognitive, heart, and lung issues.
We must decide what kind of nation we want to be. The public clearly supports disability welfare, and many believe it should increase. The UN has noted that disability benefits have not kept pace with inflation. While benefits may match headline rates, the real inflation faced by disabled and poorer people is far higher.
Every disabled person I know is skipping meals due to escalating costs of rent, energy, and water. It’s critical that vulnerable people receive adequate nutrition. Further cuts will have deadly consequences.
Research consistently shows that cutting benefits or using sanctions to incentivize work simply doesn’t work. Without meeting basic needs, people cannot engage productively. The toxic rhetoric, disrespect, and suspicion toward disabled individuals worsen our already challenging circumstances.
Why is this happening? This wasn’t in the manifesto, which promised protection. Over recent days, I’ve genuinely questioned my future, knowing cuts would strip away my dignity and ability to sustain a basic standard of living.
The constant threat of benefit reviews and sanctions leaves disabled people in perpetual anxiety, which itself causes chronic health issues. For many, including me, no reasonable adjustments could enable consistent, productive employment.
It feels like prejudice against those unable to work. There’s widespread disbelief that many genuinely can’t work and would suffer harm from forced attempts. We don’t claim benefits due to laziness or reluctance—despite the harmful implications from certain politicians.
I’m sorry this email is lengthy, but the situation demands urgent attention. I’m angry, frightened, anxious, and sadly not alone. Social media is filled with acquaintances feeling exactly the same.
The government must not proceed with these cuts or harsh measures. Such cruelty will destroy lives and fail to achieve their stated goals. There simply aren’t enough jobs even for non-disabled job seekers. Punishing disabled individuals with punitive measures is unjustifiable cruelty.
I’m sure we’ll speak again soon. Please rally a strong coalition to fiercely oppose these cuts, attitudes, cruel rhetoric, and ongoing gaslighting.
Warm regards,
Peter Nicholls
