International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Opened the debate

Debbie Abrahams highlighted the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, emphasising the theme of 'Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.' She noted that disabled people are defined by their potential rather than limitations but face significant barriers. Since 2010, disability hate crime has increased almost sevenfold, and austerity measures have restricted financial support for disabled individuals. The Equality Act 2010 enshrines disability as a protected characteristic, yet the UK has regressed in its implementation. Disabled people are more likely to live in poverty or destitution, leading to UN investigations of breaches in their rights under the CRPD. Welfare reforms adversely affected disabled people's health and social protection. Physical barriers exist in train networks and education systems, exacerbating employment gaps and pay disparities. The cost of living crisis has hit disabled individuals harder due to additional expenses for essential equipment.

Government Response

Stephen Timms congratulated Debbie Abrahams on securing the debate and acknowledged her long-standing support for disabled people. He outlined steps taken by his department to improve disability inclusion, including overhauling jobcentres, setting up a disability employment panel, and conducting an independent review led by Sir Charlie Mayfield on better work support for individuals with disabilities or health impairments. The minister committed to addressing barriers preventing disabled individuals from working and pledged to introduce disability pay gap reporting in the forthcoming race and disability equality Bill. He highlighted plans to support access to assistive technology and established new lead Ministers for disability across each Government Department, chaired by himself, to champion accessibility and inclusion. Timms also emphasised his commitment to breaking down barriers for disabled people through meetings with various disability groups and implementation of the UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities.