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BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Disabled Londoners campaign to stop Pip changes
"Pip goes some way to recognising that we are not on an even playing field," EastEnders actor and disability advocate Lisa Hammond has north Londoner is one of many signatories on the campaign to urge the government to stop the proposed changes to Personal Independence Payments (Pip).Deaf and disabled people are asking the prime minister in an open letter to adopt a different approach, after the Department for Work and Pensions announced what it called the biggest shake up to "rebalance" the welfare proposed changes from the government include changing the eligibility criteria for Pip, which campaigners said would be "catastrophic" for those who need support most. More than 140 celebrities including activists Liz Carr and Jack Thorne have signed the open letter, which was released on Tuesday. Comedian, actor and author, Samantha Baines, is an advocate for hearing loss and has signed the letter. Ms Baines, from Southwark, told the BBC: "This is a huge issue."Thousands of households are going to be driven into poverty or further into poverty because of this."For every pound cut from Pip, that's going to lead to £1.50 in additional costs for local authorities. This has been viewed as a human rights violation by the UN."Ms Hammond added: "We are not benefit scroungers, we are human beings who are trying to get by and live our lives." The proposed changes from the government to the welfare system include reintroducing reassessments for those who have the capability to work, changing the eligibility criteria for the Pip, rebalancing payment levels in Universal Credit and delaying access to the health element of Universal Credit until the claimant is campaign Taking the Pip stated that if the plans went ahead "700,000 families already living in poverty will face further devastation". 'Human beings, not statistics' Ms Hammond told the BBC: "The government's narrative is all about getting disabled people back to work but Pip has nothing to do with working, it's a benefit to support the things around our lives."Under the proposed changes, claimants would not qualify for Pip unless they scored a minimum of four points in a single daily living activity. Benefits expert Lee Healey, who has worked with disabled people for more than 30 years, said the proposed system was more likely to drive disabled people into poverty than work. Mr Healey told the BBC: "On the face of it that might not sound a lot, but it's a bit of a sneaky way of cutting support for people."He added the government needed to create working environments that disabled people could thrive in first."The key thing is a culture change. Show compassion, respect, that's going to make a massive difference to disabled people. They are human beings not statistics," he said. 'People's lives and dignity' The government said it believed the changes would end "years of inaction" when it came to one in eight people not currently being in work or also said the number of people receiving Pip had become "unsustainable and has more than doubled since the pandemic".A government spokesperson said: "We are determined to support people in all parts of the country by tackling poverty and creating secure, well-paid jobs."Pip is a part of the way that we support disabled people and people with long-term health conditions. But it's right that we rebalance the system to ensure support is targeted to those who need it most."But the signatories of the campaign believe that proposed cuts will prevent disabled people from contributing to society. Ms Baines said: "It's going to cost us more money in the long run and affect individual people's lives and their dignity."
The Guardian
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Disabled celebrities urge Keir Starmer to scrap ‘inhumane' benefit cuts
More than 100 of the UK's most high-profile disabled people, including Liz Carr, Rosie Jones, Ruth Madeley and Cherylee Houston, have called on the prime minister to abandon 'inhumane and catastrophic plans to cut disability benefits'. In an open letter to Keir Starmer before a planned Commons vote next month, they argue that the government's plan to reduce eligibility to personal independence payment (Pip) and the health component of universal credit is a matter of 'survival' and 'basic human rights'. 'If these plans go ahead, 700,000 families already living in poverty will face further devastation,' they write. 'This is not reform; it is cruelty by policy.' The signatories warn Starmer the changes will 'strip financial support from those who need it most', deepen social exclusion and 'increase disability-related deaths'. Citing the way Pip is linked to a loved one's eligibility for carer's allowance, the letter says thousands of unpaid carers will lose income as well as 'overwhelm local councils', which often rely on disabled people's Pips for social care. 'We have already endured a decade of austerity, disproportionate pandemic losses, and life-costing cuts,' the letter says of disabled people in the UK. 'We, the undersigned, will not stand by while our community is sacrificed for the illusion of savings.' They add: 'For us, Pip is not a benefit – it is access to life.' The government's plans, set out in a green paper earlier this year, would reduce the eligibility criteria for Pip – a non-means tested benefit designed to pay for the extra costs of disability – for an estimated 1 million people. The sickness-related element of universal credit is also set to be cut, with MPs due to vote on that aspect in the autumn. Official figures show 3.2 million people could lose an average of £1,720 a year as a result. Spanning the worlds of television, theatre, literature and the media, the signatories include the Adolescence writer Jack Thorne, the comedian Lee Ridley known as Lost Voice Guy, the actor Lisa Hammond and the broadcaster Sophie Morgan. The letter will be part of a wider campaign launched by disabled celebrities that aims to bring attention to the government's proposed cuts. Using the hashtag #TakingThePIP, the organisers will ask deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people to share their experiences, contact their MPs, and 'take a stand' on social media. Houston, an actor and co-organiser of the letter, said she and others with a platform felt they 'had to do something' to oppose the 'barbaric' policy. 'I've heard so very many heartbreaking stories of the struggles people are facing, even before this latest round of proposed cuts. These cuts will devastate disabled people's lives if they go through. These are lifeline benefits we are talking about, stripping away the ability for disabled people to live their lives. We want the government to listen, withdraw the cuts, and work with us to create a system that supports, not punishes, disabled people.' The letter raises concerns about the government's rhetoric around its proposals titled Get Britain Working. 'Framing welfare cuts as 'incentives' to work implies that disabled people must earn their place in society through productivity – a dangerous narrative. Disabled lives are inherently valuable – whether someone can work or not,' it says. The signatories add that the Access to Work scheme now has a backlog of over six months, preventing many from working, while cutting Pip will make it harder for people to stay in work. The opposition from leading disabled people comes as ministers face a rebellion from backbenchers over the plans, as well as condemnation from charities and unions. The partial U-turn over the winter fuel allowance last week has raised questions over whether other benefit reductions should also be overturned, with Unison urging ministers to 'look again' at cuts facing disabled people as well as pensioners. A government spokesperson said: 'We are determined to support people in all parts of the country by tackling poverty and creating secure, well-paid jobs. 'Pip is a part of the way that we support disabled people and people with long-term health conditions. But with the number of people claiming Pip doubling since the pandemic, it's right that we rebalance the system to ensure support is targeted to those who need it most. 'Alongside this, as part of our plan for change, we've increased the national living wage, uprated benefits, and are helping over 1 million households by introducing a fair repayment rate on universal credit deductions.'
Sky News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Plans to legalise assisted dying in Scotland pass first stage
Why you can trust Sky News Plans to legalise assisted dying in Scotland pass have passed the first stage after MSPs voted in favour of the bill. It was tabled in a bid to allow terminally ill adults to seek medical help to end their lives. It comes after MPs voted in favour of similar proposals for England and Wales. Supporters argue it would ease the suffering of dying Scots, while opponents argue it would fail to safeguard some of the most vulnerable people in society. MSP Liam McArthur, who brought forward the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, opened the debate ahead of the stage one vote at the Scottish parliament on Tuesday. The Scottish Liberal Democrat politician said terminally ill Scots and their families are "desperate to see the law changed". Campaigners from both sides of the debate ahead of the MSPs casting their votes. Actress Liz Carr, a wheelchair user, urged all those with concerns to vote no. A free vote on the bill took place - meaning MSPs were not instructed on how to vote by their parties or the Scottish government. First Minister John Swinney, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, former first ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar had earlier revealed they intended to vote against it. 3:00 This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
The Independent
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
McArthur urges MSPs to take ‘brave step' and back his Assisted Dying Bill
The MSP seeking to introduce assisted dying for terminally ill Scots has called on Holyrood to back his 'brave' and 'compassionate' proposals. An emotional Liam McArthur insisted Scotland 'is ready' for such change, as he opened a landmark debate at Holyrood. The Liberal Democrat has brought forward a member's Bill in the Scottish Parliament that would, if passed, allow those at an advanced stage of a terminal illness the right to seek medical help to die. Insisting there is 'overwhelming' support for such a change, Mr McArthur told Holyrood: 'Today we can take a significant step forward, giving terminally adults across Scotland more choice. 'It's a brave step, yes, but it is a compassionate one. 'And it is a step I believe Scotland is ready to take.' He stated: 'I know how much this Bill matters to those dying Scots and their families who are desperate to see the law changed, to allow more choice, compassion and dignity at the end of life. 'And it's their voices, their needs, their interests, that must be at the centre of this debate and at the forefront of our minds as we come to vote this evening.' His comments came as actress Liz Carr urged MSPs to vote against assisted dying legislation if they have any concerns about the proposals. She spoke out as opponents of the Bill rallied outside Holyrood as MSPs prepared to debate the change. Carr, a wheelchair user, told the PA news agency the definition of a terminal illness was too broad in Mr McArthur's Bill as she urged those with any concerns to vote no. 'If you have any concerns and if you are going into this thinking: 'I'm not sure', then now is the time to vote no on this,' she said. In a message to all MSPs she said: 'If MSPs are on the fence, I would say vote it down now if you have any doubts and any concerns.' Opponents of the Bill fear the proposals could leave disabled people and vulnerable Scots feeling under pressure to prematurely end their lives. But its supporters insist there is a groundswell of public support for changing the law, arguing the current ban on assisted dying leads to suffering for people at the end of their lives as well as their families. If the Bill passes Stage One, it would face further votes at the committee stage and in the chamber before it could become law. These votes would likely take place later this year. While MSPs in all parties will have a free vote on the issue, First Minister John Swinney and Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes have already said they will vote against the Bill, as has Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, and former first ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf. Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray – who said on Monday he would abstain in the initial vote to preserve his neutral stance – praised Mr McArthur's handling of the process, which he described as 'careful and considered'. Mr Gray added: 'This debate is one of the most significant that we have faced over the course of this Parliament and a matter of conscience for colleagues across the chamber. 'Colleagues will be wrestling with their individual consciences today, recognising that there is not inconsequential choice before us today.' He added: 'Irrespective of the outcome of this vote, we must use this momentum to ensure Scotland is a place in which we can have open, honest and supportive conversations about living and dying well. 'But also, given the deeply held views in here and amongst our constituents… whichever way Parliament votes this evening, we must show leadership to those whose views will not be reflecting in Parliament's decision, to provide reassurance, support and clarity. 'Regardless of the position taken by Parliament today, I intend to do what I can as quickly as possible from the Government's perspective to provide just that.'
The Independent
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Disabled people ‘not better off dead', actress tells Holyrood rally
Disabled people are not 'better off dead', an actress has told a rally outside Holyrood ahead of a key vote on assisted dying legislation. Silent Witness star Liz Carr told campaigners outside the Scottish Parliament she was 'fed up' of answering questions from strangers who believe living with a disability 'must be the worst thing imaginable'. She spoke just hours before a new push to implement assisted dying for those with a terminal illness – proposed by Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur – faced an initial vote in Edinburgh. 'I am so fed up of having to answer strangers' questions, even in this day and age, who think that being us must be the worst thing imaginable,' she said to campaigners, which included a number of disabled people. 'That having pain, having difficulty with everyday activities, must mean that it would be better if we were dead – that is not the case.' Speaking to the PA news agency, Carr worried that the definition of a terminal illness in the Bill was too broad and could even include people with her condition – arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. 'The definition under Liam's Bill is so wide, it doesn't have a time frame – that's good and bad in some ways, it's almost impossible to define prognosis and diagnosis in people at the end of their life unless you're right there within days or a couple of weeks, actually,' she said. 'But it also has a definition that I would qualify under, I would define myself as a disabled person, but actually the definition of having a progressive condition, I would come under that. 'So the potential for this to include far more than just those with true terminal illnesses … those as well with degenerative conditions, is what concerns so many of us and so many of the people that are here today.' Carr also spoke alongside Scottish Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy, a fellow wheelchair user and opponent of the legislation. Addressing the dozens of campaigners outside Holyrood, Ms Duncan-Glancy said: 'If any of my colleagues are in any doubt whatsoever, if in doubt: don't.' She added: 'The risk is too high. 'And so I hope that my colleagues will listen carefully to that and will not support this legislation this afternoon. 'I know that I will, on behalf of all of you, go in there and fight for out lives.' The legislation faces and initial vote in Holyrood on Tuesday and if passed, will go before the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee which will consider amendments before it returns to the full chamber for further potential changes and a final vote.
