Campaign news

Victory over debate on disabled

28th February 2014

Victory over debate on disabled

PRESS RELEASE 28/02/2014

Following a historic debate in the House of Commons, the first time in its history people with disabilities have secured a debate on a motion of their choosing, John McDonnell MP calls on the Government to implement a full cumulative impact assessment of the effects of welfare reform on sick and disabled people.

Following yesterday’s historic backbench business debate in the House of Commons, John McDonnell has called on the Government to address the widespread suffering amongst the disabled community as a result of the impact of cuts to the welfare budget.

The debate marked the first time in the history of this Parliament that people with disabilities have secured a debate in the Chamber on an agenda of their choosing. Secured with cross-party support on a motion worded as closely as possible to an e-petition organised by the WOW campaign, MPs called for an independent cumulative impact assessment of welfare reform on sick and disabled people, their families and carers. The e-petition amassed well over 100,000 signatures and incorporated a number of demands made by disabled people facing enormous distress as a result of this government’s harmful welfare agenda.

The motion was carried through without opposition in the Chamber yesterday. John McDonnell MP now calls on government action to address widespread suffering among the sick and disabled community.
John McDonnell MP said:

‘I now call on the Government to respect the will of Parliament and implement the recommendations for a full cumulative impact assessment of the impact of changes in the welfare system on sick and disabled people, their families and carers.’
‘All the evidence now demonstrates the scale of the suffering of disabled people as a result of the cumulative impact of the cuts to welfare. The government must act now to address the widespread concerns expressed by religious leaders, voluntary organisations and numerous experts.’