Dusty Wentworth

As a country, we pride ourselves on compassion and a commitment to supporting those in need. Yet recent rhetoric around welfare reform paints a deeply troubling picture—one that portrays disabled people as burdens and scapegoats for rising costs.   This narrative is not only deeply offensive, but also a calculated distraction from the real financial mismanagement taking place within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).   It’s time to challenge this unacceptable blame game and demand genuine accountability. The Stigmatising Language: An Attack on Disabled People Just this week, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch made comments that were, frankly, outrageous. In a speech on 10th July 2025, she criticised the Motability scheme, claiming:   “People are getting taxpayer-funded cars for having constipation.”   She further suggested that “food intolerances” and “ADHD and obesity” should not warrant support, and alleged that “90 per cent ...

It's a stark contrast that's hard to ignore: while the UK government discusses tightening the purse strings on vital support for disabled people, many Members of Parliament appear to be enjoying a more cushioned existence, complete with lucrative second jobs. This disparity has fuelled a heated debate, leaving many questioning the fairness of a system that seems to offer one set of rules for the vulnerable and another for those in power. The Squeeze on Disability Support   The government has openly expressed concerns about the escalating cost of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and other disability benefits. Proposals have included a “four-point rule” for new PIP claimants, aiming to direct support to those with the most severe conditions.   While recent concessions suggest these changes might only impact new claimants from a future date, and current PIP recipients will be protected, the message is clear: the era of seemingly unfettered benefit increas...