“It’ll push disabled people into poverty”: Labour’s controversial welfare bill

In this episode of The Guardian's podcast, Frances Ryan, a journalist and author, addresses the ongoing cuts to disability benefits in the UK under Labour's administration. The discussion starts with the alarming statistics showing the rising number of people claiming sickness or disability benefits, leading the government to justify austerity measures. Ryan, who has written extensively about disability, emphasizes that these cuts impact millions relying on Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for essential living costs.

Ryan explains the negative implications of the rhetoric surrounding disability benefits, which frames claimants as burdens rather than individuals deserving support. She shares personal anecdotes and insights from her recent book, 'Who Wants Normal? The Disabled Girl's Guide to Life,' which features interviews with 70 women discussing their experiences with disability in various aspects of life, from work to education.

The episode highlights systemic barriers disabled individuals face daily, from inaccessible public spaces to the pervasive stigma of disability. Ryan advocates for understanding the underlying health issues causing the increase in disability claims, arguing that policy discussions should focus more on supporting disabled people into work rather than cutting benefits. The conversation touches on ongoing public discontent with welfare reforms, demonstrating a potential shift in sentiment among Labour MPs against the proposed cuts. Ryan ultimately shares a hopeful message about the importance of visibility and representation for disabled individuals in society, noting that despite the challenges, voices like hers are crucial in pushing for change.