Disabled Celebrities Urge Prime Minister to Halt Benefit Cuts
In a powerful open letter, over 100 prominent disabled individuals from the UK, including actors Liz Carr, Rosie Jones, and Cherylee Houston, have implored Prime Minister Keir Starmer to abandon proposed cuts to disability benefits. The plans, which aim to reduce eligibility for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the health component of Universal Credit, have been labeled as “inhumane” and a matter of “basic human rights.”
The signatories, representing various sectors including television and literature, warn that these cuts could severely impact approximately 700,000 families already living in poverty, dubbing the initiative as “cruelty by policy.” They emphasize that PIP is vital for their survival, stating, “For us, PIP is not a benefit – it is access to life.” The reductions could potentially strip support from those who need it most and exacerbate social isolation and disability-related deaths.
Houston, a co-organizer, voiced her concerns about the devastating impact of these cuts on disabled lives, referring to reported struggles within the disabled community. The government, which is expected to vote on these measures soon, has been facing pushback from backbenchers, charities, and unions, especially following a recent reversal on winter fuel allowance cuts. The sentiment is echoed in the #TakingThePIP campaign, which encourages disabled individuals to share their experiences and lobby their MPs.
In response, a government spokesperson acknowledged the rising number of PIP claimants since the pandemic but maintained that reforms are necessary to ensure funds target those most in need. As the ramifications of these proposed cuts loom large, the disabled community continues to rally for recognition and support in the face of adversity.
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