A rally organised by Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) in Derry is to coincide with a UK-wide ‘day of action’ in opposition to the Labour government’s welfare reforms.
The changes, which were announced by Secretary for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall last Tuesday, have been widely criticised and some have warned that they could push the most vulnerable into poverty.
The government says that its proposed cuts will save around £5bn and that the reforms are necessary in order to get people who are able to work into employment and off disability benefits.
Reforms include a tightening on daily living Personal Independence Payment (PIP) criteria, reducing the health element of Universal Credit (UC) for new claimants from April 2026 by almost half and potentially blocking those under 22 from accessing this top-up.
DPAC has announced a ‘day of action’ in response, with 12 demonstrations organised to take place on WednesdaMarch 26 as they urge the government to prioritise ‘welfare not warfare’.
In February, Keir Starmer announced that a rise of 0.2% of GDP in 2027 would provide an extra £13.4bn for annual defence spending. DPAC’s only demonstration in the north is set to be held outside Derry’s Guildhall at 1pm.
People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin said: “Socialists often make the point when governments claim funding isn’t available for vital services that there always seems to be money for war.”“Starmer has just proved this.
“He has massively increased war spending but says Labour must slash benefits for the sick and disabled.
“We need to push back against the demonisation of people receiving disability payments and the cynical attempt to dismiss the mental health crisis.”
A motion raised by Mr Harkin is due to go before Derry City and Strabane District Council this week calling on the north’s politicians to oppose the cuts.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has already warned that while the full workings of the changes in the north remain to be seen, the Executive does not have the available resources to cover the cost of any cuts.
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