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...

Committee Urged to Reconsider Legalising Assisted Suicide Due to Serious Concerns In what many have seen as a significant oversight—and an attempt to sideline disabled voices—Labour MP Kim Leadbetter failed to involve ANY disabled individuals, groups, or organisations in providing evidence to the committee on assisted dying. This decision sparked widespread criticism, particularly from disabled people’s organisations (DPOs), including myself. Following the backlash, a single invitation was extended to Disability Rights UK (DRUK) to contribute. The proposed bill, as it stands, has the potential to cause serious and far-reaching harm, particularly in a society where inequality and ableism are deeply ingrained. The committee was warned that the bill could have profound implications for how society, including doctors and health authorities, perceives the value of disabled lives. One key point raised was:   “We already face an uphill battle convincing people that our lives are of e...

The Essential Role of Disability Benefits in Enhancing Lives By Mark Webster, Disability Officer  The Green Party Telford & Wrekin Disability benefits are a lifeline for millions, offering not just financial support but also significantly enhancing the mental wellbeing and life satisfaction of recipients. In today 's climate, it's crucial to critically examine the policies surrounding these benefits and the political decisions that impact them. The Economic and Social Value of Disability Benefits The economic impact of disability benefits is profound. For every £1 spent, there's a return of £1.48 in improved wellbeing. With around 3.5 million people claiming the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the annual economic benefit reaches a staggering £42 billion, far surpassing the £28 billion cost of administration. This financial support is essential, helping to offset the additional living costs faced by disabled individuals and enabling them to engage more fully in soci...

Shaun Davies and Labour’s Water Woes: A Tale of Empty Promises and Missed Votes Let’s talk about Shaun Davies, the Labour MP for Telford, who proudly claims to be “Standing Up for Telford.” Well, on the 28th of January 2025, he was notably *not* standing up for Telford—or anyone else, for that matter—when it came to voting on the Water (Special Measures) Bill. In fact, he didn’t show up at all. And he wasn’t alone. Many of his Labour colleagues also failed to turn up, leaving critical amendments to the bill hanging in the balance. So much for standing up for clean water and environmental accountability. The Water (Special Measures) Bill wasn’t just another piece of legislation. It was a chance to address the UK’s ongoing water crisis—a crisis that has seen rivers polluted, habitats destroyed, and water companies raking in profits while customers foot the bill for their failures. The amendments proposed were not just sensible; they were necessary. One key amendment would have ensured th...

Navigating the Complexities of the Assisted Dying Bill: Progress & Pitfalls One of the many tasks as a Disability Officer for The Green Party Telford and Wrekin is keeping a close eye on bills as they go through the Commons and the Lords. I have been watching with keen interest the progress of the Assisted Dying Bill. On Tuesday 28th January, the committee charged with overseeing the bill came together. The only people that were called to speak with them were so called "professionals", none of which have any disability or experiance of disability, a major concern to myself, and many DPO's (Disabled Peoples Organisations).  The ongoing debate around the assisted dying bill is no small matter. With its potential to profoundly impact the lives of countless individuals, particularly those with disabilities, the proposed amendments, creating another 35 pages of changes, have been met with both praise and criticism. As we delve into these changes, it’s clear that while the ...

Disabilty Officer for The Green Party Telford and Wrekin Welcomes Primark New Adaptive Clothing Range In a move that’s being celebrated by disability advocates across the UK, Primark is set to launch a new range of adaptive clothing designed to meet the needs of disabled people and those experiencing temporary disabilities. The collection, which includes coats, jeans, and pyjamas, features thoughtful design elements like discreet magnetic closures, waist loops, hidden stoma tube access, and soft, friction-free fabrics.  For local disability advocate and Disability Officer for The Green Party Telford and Wrekin, Mark Webster, this is a long-awaited step in the right direction. “For a long time, disabled people have been forced to self-adapt clothing or even go without certain types altogether,” he says. “With a higher-than-national average of disabled people in Telford, I really hope that other brands and suppliers follow suit in the future.” Primark’s new range isn’t just about fun...

The Telford and Wrekin Green Party is deeply concerned about the ongoing discussions in Parliament regarding the Assisted Suicide Bill. Despite previous warnings of bias, it seems our predictions are coming true. As your Disabilities Officer, I have offered to provide evidence in Parliament, but have yet to receive a response. It's troubling that no Disabled People's Organizations (DPOs) have been invited, and that two-thirds of witnesses are in favor of assisted suicide. While I personally support the option for those who choose it, evidence from other countries shows that safeguards are often weakened, leading to vulnerable individuals feeling pressured into choosing suicide. Just 2 weeks ago under my alter ego of "Truth Tracker Telford" I highlighted Telford and Wrekin Council's coercive tactics in a health campaign. TWC Coercion I fear similar tactics could be used if this bill passes. Remember how Doctors and Nurses during Covid encouraged disabled people to ...