The Government has made a U-turn on this morning's announcement to scrap the Disability Minister. They have appointed Mims Davies MP as Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work. This follows a week with nobody in the position, after Tom Pursglove's move to the Home Office last Thursday.
Earlier today, Disability Rights UK wrote to the Prime Minister urging the Government to reverse its initial decision to scrap the role and highlighted the Government's unacceptable history of de-prioritising disability rights.
The letter, from Kamran Mallick CEO of DR UK, included:
"Removing the dedicated position of a Minister for Disabled people tells us that our needs aren’t a priority for UK Government. De-prioritising our needs and lives is not your policy choice to make. Domestic and international legislation make clear the Government’s legal responsibilities to uphold and protect Disabled people’s lives – yet 14 years after signing the UNCRPD, UK Government continue to violate its obligations"
You can read our full letter to the Prime Minister below.