Local MP - it's time to promote the rights of disabled people

Date published: 05 December 2018


Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams - Labour’s former shadow minister for disabled people - marked Monday's UN International Day of Disabled People.

Mrs Abrahams has urged all of her constituents to help empower disabled people in as many ways as possible.

Mrs Abrahams said: “I was proud to mark the UN International Day of Disabled People and to celebrate the contributions that disabled people make to our society every day. 

“This year’s theme is about empowering disabled people, making sure there’s equality and inclusiveness. 

“So I want to challenge each and everyone of us, across Oldham and Saddleworth, to empower a disabled person and let me know what you are doing, either by Twitter, Facebook, e-mail or post!”

The local MP added: “For the last eight years, disabled people have had to bear the brunt of Tory austerity, to devastating consequences.

"This Government has created a hostile environment for disabled people, through a punitive sanctions regime and cruel assessments framework.

“The roll-out of Universal Credit will prove to be devastating for disabled people, who lose access to vital support and face falling out of the social security system altogether. 

“The UN recently concluded that this Government had replaced compassion with a 'mean spirited’ approach to social security.

“It is vital that we recognise the struggle to promote the rights of disabled people and for equal access and opportunities.

“Whether it is transport, employment, education, transport or health we need to ensure that disabled people are treated equally. 

“Labour is committed to creating a country that treats disabled people with dignity and respect, giving disabled people the opportunity to participate fully and equally in our society.”


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