Latest news with #WelfareBill
Daily Mirror
26-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
'Disability drives innovation' - 7 things we use daily that were made for disabled people
Content creator, '@chronicallyjenni' is creating a wave of positive praise and awareness for the community after sharing a video highlighting the everyday tools first invented for disabled people In light of the disability cuts made by Labour's Welfare Bill on July 1, disability organisations, allies and content creators have come together online to educate the Brits on the ways disabled people have contributed to everyday life. Achieving over 428,000 likes on Instagram, Influencer Chronically Jenni 's reel shows viewers the everyday parts of life derived from the needs of the disabled community. Her activism is one of a chorus of voices paving the way for disability awareness and rights in the UK. "Disability drives innovation. Accessibility helps everyone. So next time you use one of these, remember where it came from. Be sure to share this so more people realise the impact disability has on their lives," Jenni said in her viral video. Ramps Perhaps the most obvious, ramps were first built for wheelchair access, tackling the obstacle of stairs. Now, they're the easiest route for parents with prams, cyclists on bikes and travellers with suitcases. The caption of her post says: "You know the little ramp at the end of a pavement? That's called a curb cut; made for wheelchair users. But now used by parents with buggies, cyclists, people with suitcases and more". Coining it "the curb cut effect," Jenni went on to show how "access for disabled people ends up helping everyone". Velcro The Velcro on trainers and school bags that makes every life easier was initially used by those in disability care. Jenni shares that this was "long before" the product became the replacement for shoelaces, and kids' best friend. The electric toothbrush An estimated 34 million Brits use an electric toothbrush for dental hygiene, according to Dental Health - and they may be surprised to find out that their 'swear-by' toothbrushes were or "originally designed for people with limited grip or coordination". Text-to-speech and voice aids Used in corporate, universities and a majority of Smart technologies, dictation tools used to help type and read-aloud texts were first made for the blind and visually impaired. "What first began as a literary and verbal aid is now how most smartphone users place calls, make notes and even set timers as they cook," suggests Jenni. Audiobooks Another aid for blind and visually impaired readers, the ever-popular audiobook is increasingly used by fans of #BookTok and commuters alike. The tool has also been made available on Spotify, Audible and Apple, and is now a Gen-Z favourite for entertainment on-the-go. For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. Touchless and automatic doors Saving the general public significant time pushing heavy doors open for queues, the now staple of modern supermarkets, stores, airports and hospitals is the automatic door. Whilst this may not be as shocking as the electric toothbrush, it is important to realise how inclusive architecture helps all - especially those in fast-paced environments. Subtitles and captions Created for those experiencing deafness, the infamous 'subs' are a "on or off" debate between film and TV fans worldwide. This handy tool is a blessing on long flights, busy train rides and for those of us who often forget their headphones.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Labour Poole MP has whip withdrawn over 'indiscipline'
NEIL Duncan-Jordan has reportedly been suspended from the Labour Party following his criticism welfare bill and cuts to the winter fuel allowance. The Poole MP has had the whip removed after he voted against the Welfare Bill in Parliament earlier this month, describing the bill as a "dog's breakfast that isn't really worth the paper it's written on'. He said: 'Since being elected I have consistently spoken up for my constituents on a range of issues, including most recently on cuts to disability benefits. 'I understood this could come at a cost, but I couldn't support making disabled people poorer. 'Although I've been suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party today, I've been part of the Labour and trade union movement for 40 years and remain as committed as ever to its values. 'To my constituents: it's business as usual. I remain your hardworking local MP, I will continue to take up your concerns and speak up for Poole.' After voting against the bill, he told the Echo in an interview earlier this week that the bill was "handled badly" and he would always vote for 'what was best' for his constituents. Mr Duncan-Jordan was one of 49 Labour MPs who rebelled against the government. Two other Labour MPs are reported to have been suspended today. He also acknowledged he had "fallen out of favour" with the party after voting against winter allowance fuel cuts. Duncan-Jordan won the Poole seat in last year's general election by only 18 votes, ousting Conservative Sir Robert Syms who had held the seat since 1997. Having the whip removed means that the MP is effectively expelled from their party - but keeps their seat - and must sit as an independent until the whip is restored.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Why are you ignoring disabled people?' Blind MP tears into Liz Kendall over benefits cuts
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall was accused by a fellow MP of "ignoring disabled people" during an emotional committee meeting. She was blasted by Liberal Democrat Steve Darling in front of the Work and Pensions Committee for her role in the publication of the controversial Welfare Bill in March. Darling, who is registered blind, said the government had failed to consult disabled people on planned Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit benefit cuts. Kendall's planned cuts to PIP, the main disability benefit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, were shelved after a Labour revolt earlier this month. The bill was eventually passed but was subjected to chaotic last-minute changes as it became clear that rebel Labour MPs were in with a chance of defeating the legislation. On Wednesday (16 July), Darling repeatedly accused Kendall of "ignoring disabled people" ahead of the planned benefit cuts. He began by asking Kendall why she had promised "genuine engagement" and stated she affirmed that any reforms would not be led by cuts. He then referenced the green paper, published in March, which he said amounted to the "highest level of cuts" in a decade, adding: "What went wrong?" Kendall replied: "Forgive me for not agreeing with the characterisation that you put forward. I have never started with pound signs or spreadsheets. "I've always started with what I believe can help people with long term health conditions and disabled people build a better life for themselves and our reforms are based on helping those who can work to do so instead of writing them off without any support." Kendall said the government needs to "make sure this absolutely crucial benefit remains sustainable for the future". Darling then asked Kendall to explain why she "chose not to consult on that element of change you were pushing forward in March". The DWP minister replied, saying they had consulted disabled people on "many aspects" and had consulted five collaboration committees. He then repeatedly asked why she "ignored disabled people". Kendall said: "We are not ignoring disabled people. They will be at the heart of the Timms review." The pair also clashed over the publishing of a child poverty strategy, which Kendall said would be published in the autumn. What were the controversial changes and what happens next? Initially, the government attempted to make significant changes to the benefits system to save an estimated £4.8bn. The overhaul faced opposition from Labour backbenchers after the green paper was unveiled in March, which included stricter eligibility criteria for PIP, as well as a freeze on the health-related component of Universal Credit. Kendall argued that the changes were necessary to maintain the long-term sustainability of the welfare system and that the current system disincentives work and does not offer adequate support to move into work. The changes included a major change in the PIP point-based assessment system. Rather than scoring eight points in various activities, an applicant would have to score four points or more in a single activity during their assessment to qualify for the benefit until the review is complete. MPs voiced concerns that the changes could lead to increased poverty among vulnerable groups, and over 120 ministers signalled their intent to oppose the bill in the weeks before the vote. In a U-turn, ministers said the new, stricter PIP rules would only apply to new claimants from November 2026 onwards. The government also reversed its decision to freeze the higher rate of Universal Credit for existing claimants with health conditions, though reduced payments will still apply to new applicants. Rachael Maskell, who was a Labour MP at the time but has since been suspended by the parliamentary party, described the cuts as "Dickensian", and said it was clear the bill would not pass in its current state. As the vote approached, a further announcement by DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms confirmed no changes to PIP would be implemented until a full review has been completed. The government eventually won by 335 votes to 260, with 47 Labour MPs voting against the bill, after making the trio of concessions. Ms Kendall said on Wednesday that the government will have a "long-term look at PIP in the review. The Timms review into PIP assessments aims to conclude in autumn 2026 and will be co-produced with disabled people and the organisations that represent them.
Scotsman
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Over 100 Lib Dem activists demand reinstatement of Edinburgh MP Christine Jardine to frontbench roles
More than 100 Lib Dem activists from across the UK have signed an open letter to party chiefs demanding the reinstatement of Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine after she was sacked from the frontbench. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... She was removed as Lib Dem spokesperson on Women and Equalities and on Scotland after she voted against a Tory amendment to the Welfare Bill instead of abstaining, as instructed by the party whips. But the open letter voices "deep misgivings and extreme concern" at the move. And it demands: "This decision must be reversed." Christine Jardine MP in the House of Commons Chamber Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ms Jardine, who had performed the frontbench roles for the past three years, explained in a letter to Lib Dem leader Ed Davey that she had voted against the amendment because of her late husband, Calum Macdonald. She wrote: "As you know, my late husband Calum, was bipolar. Several people around me have mental health conditions the amendment dismissed as 'minor', and not worthy of support. I could not in good conscience do anything other than vote against another Conservative attempt to remove help from those who need it the most. "Regardless of my personal circumstances, as Equalities Spokesperson, this is an equalities issue and I could not let down those who are relying on people in power to speak on their behalf." The open letter, addressed to Mr Davey and chief whip Wendy Chamberlain, calls for Ms Jardine's immediate reinstatement and an unreserved apology, as well as a review of the party's whipping policy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It says: "At a time when equalities victories are being rolled back and progress is stopping on almost every avenue, the Liberal Democrats must be the party that stands up to be counted. "Christine has been a tireless fighter for equalities of all kinds, and has, as you have noted yourself in the not too distant past, served as the best equalities spokesperson we have ever had. "The whip to abstain on a repugnant Conservative amendment - that sought to politicise mental health support and harm the very people we claim to protect - should never have been issued. 'The Liberal Democrats have a brilliant record on mental health, and being the party to advocate for those with mental health issues - We should never be playing political games on such important issues."
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Universal Credit change may 'penalise' people with 4 disabilities
The Welfare Bill steadily making its way through Parliament could exclude some of the severe disabilities and young people the government wants to support, experts have warned Despite significant concessions to the Welfare Bill earlier this month, the Universal Credit changes that have been approved for the next stage of its journey through Parliament could still potentially slash hundreds of pounds from the budgets of disabled Brits. Originally, the proposal would reduce the health component of Universal Credit from £97 to £50 per week and freeze it at that level for all claimants not in the Severe Conditions Criteria Group. As it stands now, the Bill will not affect current claimants with this change, only those applying after April 2026 will receive £47 less unless they are part of the Severe Conditions Criteria Group. The Bill also states that this group will be exempt from future reassessments. The Government argues this will prevent people from being incentivised to classify themselves as unfit for work while protecting those who will never be able to work from having to undergo reviews. To be eligible for the new £97 rate after 2026, individuals must be part of the Severe Conditions Criteria group, which demands they meet certain descriptors at all times, such as being unable to handle a 0.5-litre carton of liquid or struggling with basic tasks due to their condition. Juliet Tizzard, director of external relations at Parkinson's UK, criticised the "appalling" new legislation approved by Parliament. Highlighting how it unfairly excludes people with varying symptoms, such as people with Parkinson's. She said: 'The Bill clearly states that someone must be constantly unable to do certain tasks to qualify. This will penalise people with Parkinson's, whose symptoms come and go. 'Until we can be certain that people with fluctuating conditions will not be penalised, we'll continue campaigning for a fair system. We're thankful to the MPs who tried to stop the changes to Universal Credit, and for every campaigner who raised their voice.' Diseases such as multiple sclerosis, severe mental illness, and muscular dystrophy also experience fluctuating symptoms and are therefore unlikely to fulfil the stipulations for the Severe Conditions Group. Potentially missing out on an extra £47 per week if they claim the health element post-2026. Another proposal, that was left unchanged amid the concessions, will raise the eligibility age for Universal Credit's health element from 18 to 22. However, disability charities are voicing their concerns, warning the Government that this plan risks putting young people at a severe disadvantage. James Watson-O'Neill, Chief Executive of the charity Sense, has expressed deep concern about the impact on disabled youth: "The government's decision to press ahead with its welfare reform Bill and make cruel cuts to Universal Credit payments is causing deep fear and distress among young disabled people with the most complex needs and their families. 'MPs have still voted to cut support for disabled people who are assessed as having the greatest barriers to work and apply for benefits after 2026, making them £47 a week poorer. Almost half of disabled people with complex needs are already in debt because their benefit payments don't cover the essentials. 'This proposal will create an unfair, two-tier system, where still more disabled people are pushed into poverty simply because they started claiming benefits later. 'We are calling on the government to reconsider these proposals and rule out plans to cut support even further for disabled people aged under 22. Disabled people should be included fully and from the start in any efforts to reform the welfare system."
