Mark That Disabled Green Party Guy

DWP Cuts and Their Impact on Women: A Call for Rethink So here's something that’s been causing quite a stir—proposed cuts to disability benefits by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK. Women’s groups are voicing serious concerns, and here’s why it matters. Recently, dozens of women’s organisations have urged Rachel Reeves to rethink these cuts. They’ve highlighted how these changes will strip away a “vital lifeline” for victims of abuse. But what’s really at stake here? Economic Abuse and Vulnerability Campaigners point out a harsh reality: disabled women are nearly twice as likely to face economic abuse compared to their non-disabled counterparts. Shockingly, they’re almost four times more likely to have someone try to stop them from accessing the benefits they need. These benefits aren’t just numbers on a page—they’re essential support systems that help women escape abusive situations. The Unseen Burden on Women Cuts could also mean that women would have to take ...

Assisted Dying Bill - Committee Stage Concluded  Today, we're diving into a topic that's both deeply personal and widely debated: the Assisted Dying Bill, officially known as the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. This bill has recently completed its committee stage and is heading back to the House of Commons for further discussion on April 25, 2025. The committee sat last Wednesday, the same day as the contentious Spring Statement by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves. As a consequence, the committees final sitting was hugely under reported given its significance and importance. There has been talk among the disabled community, many of who are against the bill, (although not the principle -Ed) that the committee was scheduled on purpose so that it's final session would fly under the radar. Is this in the realm of conspiracy theory, or could there be a grain of truth in there? As we explore this topic, I'll admit upfront that I have some reservations about the bill due...

Access Denied: Disabled People’s Struggle for Transport Equality On 20th March 2025 the Transport Select Committee unveiled a stark report titled "Access Denied: Rights Versus Reality in Disabled People’s Access to Transport." Delivered by Labour MP Ruth Cadbury, this document lays bare the grim realities faced by disabled individuals in the UK—a reality that successive governments have failed to adequately address. The Grim Reality of Disabled Access The report paints a troubling picture: inaccessible rail stations, taxi services refusing passengers with assistance dogs, and unreliable passenger assistance at airports and trains. It's a litany of failure that affects every mode of transport. The statistics are damning: 60% of disabled people report frequent travel woes, and over a third avoid travel altogether due to the complexity and safety concerns of current systems. The impact is severe, limiting our access to work, education, healthcare, and social participation. A...

Labour's Approach to Disability Safety: More of the Same? As the UK geared up for the 2024 general election, many scrutinised the Labour Party's promises of "change," particularly regarding disability safety in high-rise buildings.  Fast forward to February 2025 with a Labour government and despite their rhetoric, Labour's stance on Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) seems disappointingly similar to the previous Tory government’s approach, leaving many questioning the authenticity of their commitment to improve safety for disabled individuals. The Importance of PEEPs The devastating Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, which claimed 72 lives, underscored the critical need for personalised evacuation strategies for disabled residents. The inquiry that followed strongly recommended the implementation of PEEPs to ensure that people with mobility issues could safely evacuate during emergencies. This wasn't just a suggestion; it was a call to action to prevent fut...