I am deeply concerned by the prime minister’s decision to remove the dedicated role of minister for disabled people, a position that has been part of the government for decades (Disabled people don’t need a minister, thinks Sunak – they just need to try harder, 14 December).
During my time as a producer on the BBC Radio 4 disability programme Does He Take Sugar?, I had the opportunity to interview several ministers for disabled people, both Conservative and Labour, including Nicholas Scott, Alan Howarth and Alistair Burt. I understand perhaps more than most the importance of the role to disabled people, and for the visibility and awareness of disability in the government.
Revelations at the Covid inquiry have raised significant questions about how much the Conservative government cares about disabled people. Unfortunately, the removal of this dedicated ministerial role only intensifies these concerns.
Millions of disabled individuals, along with their families and carers, will be unimpressed by this decision. As a disabled person, I will certainly take this development into account when deciding where to cast my vote in 2024.
It is crucial that the government continues to prioritise the needs and rights of disabled people, and, just as importantly, is seen to be doing so. But, hey, at least we now have a minister for common sense. Maybe this decision is one for the top of Esther McVey’s in-tray.
Colin Hughes
London
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