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Rishi Sunak Welfare Reform Speech 19th April 2024 Response

Green Party Telford and Wrekin Response 

by Mark Webster Disability Spokesperson

As the Green Party's Telford and Wrekin disability spokesperson, I am compelled to address Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's recent speech on welfare reform and its alarming implications for people with disabilities in our community.

The Prime Minister's plans to diminish the role of GPs in issuing sick notes and the proposed "rigorous" approach to PIP claims are deeply concerning. This is not just about budgetary considerations; it is about the fundamental dignity and support for people with disabilities, including mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

In Telford and Wrekin alone, 36.1% of households include at least one disabled person. With such a high percentage of our community directly affected by disability, the Prime Minister’s proposals represent a direct attack on the livelihoods and well-being of our constituents.


The Prime Minister's rhetoric around a "sick-note culture" is both disrespectful and damaging. It undermines the very real challenges faced by those with health conditions and the professional judgment of our dedicated GPs. We must trust our healthcare professionals and respect the necessity of sick leave for recovery and well-being.

It is also troubling to see the potential shift towards one-off costs rather than regular payments for some disabled individuals. Regular and reliable support is essential for the day-to-day management of a disability, and the suggestion of sporadic assistance is both impractical and insensitive.

The government's approach to systemic inequalities, should not be to penalise those most vulnerable. Instead, we should be looking to strengthen the support network for disabled individuals, ensuring they have the resources needed to lead dignified lives.

Moreover, the threat of sanctions and the removal of benefits for those unable to meet the demands set by a work coach is an aggressive policy that will push people further into hardship. This is not the way to foster a healthy or productive society.

As the Green Party, we stand for a compassionate and sustainable approach to welfare that recognises the intrinsic value of every individual, regardless of their health status. We advocate for investment in our NHS and social care services to address the roots of the health crisis, not for penalising those affected by it.

We will fight against these harmful reforms and work tirelessly to ensure that the voices of disabled people and their carers in Telford and Wrekin, and across the UK, are heard and respected. Compassion, empathy, and support should be the cornerstones of our welfare system, not the punitive measures proposed by Prime Minister Sunak.

In solidarity with our disabled community, we will continue to challenge these reforms and advocate for a system that is just, equitable, and supportive of all, especially those who need it most.

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Location: Telford, UK

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