Thank you to everyone who contacted me about the government’s planned changes to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA).

I understand the concerns that have been raised about the announcements contained in the Autumn Statement regarding welfare and benefits. And I completely condemn inappropriate language used by ministers that vilifies the many thousands of people in the UK who are currently and completely legitimately unable to work because they have a disability or because they are stuck on an NHS waiting list and unable to get treatment for a mental or physical health condition.

Labour in government would take a completely different approach by ensuring that our welfare system is designed to support disabled people not just to survive, but thrive. So, I want to be absolutely clear that those unable to work because of ill health or disability will always get the help they need and deserve from a Labour government.

But we also know that there a many disabled people or those with long-term health conditions who would love to be able to work, but simply aren’t getting the support they need to re-enter the workforce. That’s why Labour has announced extensive plans to tackle NHS waiting lists so that nobody is forced out of work because they are waiting months or even years for an operation or for mental health support. And it’s also why we’re committed to changing the benefits system so that disabled people can try returning to work without fear of having their benefits stopped if it doesn’t work out.

That’s the kind of supportive and compassionate welfare system we need, after thirteen years of cruelty and mismanagement under the Tories. Please know that I will always stand up for a welfare system that is there for those who need it, including people with disabilities.