Labour is experiencing significant internal conflict regarding a major overhaul of the benefits system, particularly concerning Personal Independence Payments (PIP). With over 120 MPs ready to rebel, Keir Starmer is considering concessions. For the 3.7 million individuals who depend on PIP for additional costs related to disability, such changes are alarming. Columnist Frances Ryan emphasizes the essential role of PIP, pointing out the toxic rhetoric in politics that devalues disabled lives. In her book, she discussed inclusivity with disabled women, highlighting society's dismissive attitude towards their rights in various environments, like workplaces and education.
For the 3.7 million people who rely on Pip to pay the extra costs associated with having a disability, it has been an incredibly worrying time.
Ryan has just written a book, Who Wants Normal? The Disabled Girls' Guide to Life, and has spoken to 70 well-known women living with a disability.
The toxic rhetoric around disability that the political debate inspires is also hugely damaging, sending a clear message that disabled people don't belong.
The government's quick fix attitude to reducing the benefits bill, rather than looking at the barriers people with disability face, is part of the problem.
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