Stripy Lightbulb CIC is appalled by the events surrounding yesterday’s Welfare Reform Bill debate and vote. After nine months of robust, evidence-led advocacy in collaboration with the M.E. community and wider disabled community, we watched in dismay as Clause 5 – a particularly harmful component of the Bill – was removed not in recognition of its dangers, but in a last-minute political manoeuvre that disregarded months of testimony, data, and reasoned argument from disabled people and their organisations.
This Government has consistently marginalised the voices of disabled people throughout the Bill’s design and debate, stoking stigma through inflammatory DWP rhetoric while ignoring genuine opportunities for meaningful co-production. The chaotic withdrawal of the clause, just an hour before the vote, left MPs unclear about what they were voting for or against. This is not how democracy should function, especially on legislation that directly affects the lives and livelihoods of millions.
We urge all policymakers and media outlets to revisit our most recent collaborative project, “Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: M.E. Deserves Better”, which showcases how authentic co-production with disabled people can and must be done. It stands in stark contrast to the process we’ve just witnessed.
“Nothing about us without us” exists for a reason. The dismissal of disabled expertise in favour of party-political expedience erodes trust and undermines the very purpose of reform. We have little faith that the forthcoming Timms review will deliver the inclusive, transparent process promised, given the failings of the past nine months. Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that people with M.E. and other disabled communities are heard, respected, and central to reform that affects them.
We recognise the economic challenges ahead – but there are better ways to deliver efficiency and fairness. Start by streamlining and improving DWP processes and policies, not by cutting lifelines for chronically ill and disabled people. The retention of harmful proposals such as the Universal Credit and Health Uplift measures will continue to cause harm, and we will continue to oppose them.
To the MPs who listened, stood firm, and voted with integrity – we thank you.
