Disability groups say no vote on disability cuts until Wales has full consultation
The open letter has been signed by dozens of politicians, campaign groups and individuals after Wales’ only face-to-face consultation event due to take place in Cardiff on 3 June was cancelled at the last minute.
The letter from campaign group Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) Cymru is addressed to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Welsh Government First Minister Eluned Morgan, Rachel Reeves, Liz Kendall, Stephen Timms, Alison McGovern and Jo Stevens and says: “The government are running a consultation on disability cuts called the “Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper”.
“The DWP have cancelled the only in-person consultation event for the whole of Wales, and do not plan to run another.
“They did this after announcing an inaccessible venue at the last minute, in what we believe to be a clear example of disability discrimination.
“The consultation was always going to be unfair, given half the proposals – the most important half – were off the table for discussion on day one.
“There must be no vote in the House of Commons on disability cuts until a full and genuine public consultation has been carried out in Wales.
“Given the government’s complete failure to listen to disabled people, and the DWP’s demonstrated inability to arrange a genuine consultation, any consultation must be run independently by Welsh disabled people’s organisations, also inviting the views of carers. The DWP must attend as observers.”
Senedd Member, Sioned Williams MS joined DPAC Cymru at a protest in Cardiff on 3 June – the date of the cancelled consultation.
Sioned Williams at the Cardiff protest(Image: Swansea DPAC)Ms Williams, who is Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson on Social Justice and Equalities, said: “With 190,000 – a staggering 6% of the people of Wales – set to lose out, Welsh communities will be the hardest hit by Labour’s cruel disability cuts, yet the Labour UK Government refuse to even hold a consultation event in Wales. If anybody needed further proof of Labour’s contempt towards Wales, here it is.
“While the Labour UK Government treats Wales as an unimportant consequence to their decisions, Labour in Wales simply watch on in disinterest, instead of calling out the UK Government’s austerity-driven agenda. Labour has no interest in doing what is right for our communities, only what is deemed suitable in their attempt to reverse their plummeting polling numbers.
“Welsh communities deserve a government that will put them first, they deserve a government that puts Wales and Welsh communities first. Labour have shown that their priorities lie with their party, not with our country. That is why Wales needs a Plaid Cymru Government in 2026 that will always fight for what is fair to Wales.”
Swansea Bay News asked the Department for Work and Pensions for their response to DPAC Cymru’s letter and to confirm if a consultation will be held in Wales.
UK Government Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms responded: “It is crucial that the views and voices of sick or disabled people across Wales are at the heart of our reforms, which is why we’ve rescheduled a consultation event in Cardiff after it was cancelled by the venue.
“Having listened to people’s calls for more consultation opportunities in Wales we have also arranged an additional virtual event, so even more people can take part.
“We will continue to look at the specific impacts for those living in Wales as we seek to support people back into work if they are able, while also protecting those who rely on our social security system.”
Swansea Bay News has asked the DWP for the details of the rescheduled Cardiff consultation, but the department has yet to confirm the date.
