Supporters of Disability Action Brighton rallied at the Clock Tower in Brighton recently, aiming to spotlight the far-reaching impacts of planned welfare cuts on disabled individuals. This demonstration was not simply a local event; it was part of a broader national movement calling for a reconsideration of government policy regarding disability support. As one protester, who identified only as 'Figgy', explained, “This is a completely galvanized community protest.”

The movement emphasises that the struggle faced by disabled individuals is not solely about physical disabilities but rather a societal failure to provide adequate support. “If you are struggling in a society that doesn't care about you at the moment, then you are disabled by definition,” Figgy further articulated. The protest sought not only to question the motives behind the government’s welfare cuts but also to challenge the prevailing perception of disabled individuals and their place in society.

This recent demonstration follows one held in March, coinciding with the announcement of the welfare reforms that have sparked widespread concern. Despite increasing pressure from within the Labour Party to moderate these cuts, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has remained steadfast, asserting that the £5 billion plan for welfare reform is crucial to ensure the sustainability of the system. Her comments have drawn sharp criticism from various corners, including significant pushback from more than 100 Labour MPs who have signed a letter urging a reassessment of the cuts. Charities have echoed these concerns, warning that the changes, particularly to the eligibility criteria for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), could adversely affect hundreds of thousands of people.

The implications of the reforms are severe, with the Institute for Fiscal Studies estimating that around 600,000 current recipients of the health element of universal credit could see their annual support plummet by at least £2,400 by 2028 if the proposed changes are enacted. As the demonstration took shape, the Clock Tower was electrified with placards urging the government to reconsider its approach. One protestor, who wished to remain anonymous, pointed out, “We need more people to realise that anyone is at risk of becoming disabled; it’s likely to happen in your lifetime, rather than being born with a disability.”

Green MP Sian Berry, who represents Brighton Pavilion, has been vocal about the welfare reforms, highlighting the struggles faced by her constituents. In a previous interview, she noted that 31% of her constituents are living with someone affected by a disability, questioning the government’s motives. “Why are they cracking down on the people who are already struggling so much?” Berry asked, adding that the push to increase economic productivity contradicted the government’s cuts to essential support for disabled individuals. Her assertions reflect a growing unease about the trajectory of welfare policy in the UK, which many fear prioritises fiscal austerity over the well-being of vulnerable populations.

The wider context of disability rights protests also paints a troubling picture; demonstrations have been a regular response to similar austerity measures over the years. Notably, protests in 2011, organised by groups like the Disability Benefits Consortium, drew attention to the severe cuts affecting local services for disabled individuals. And more recently, in March 2025, around 1,000 individuals marched in central London to oppose further cuts, emphasising the urgency of the situation.

As the national dialogue on welfare reform evolves, the solidarity demonstrated by groups like Disability Action Brighton reveals a community determined to fight for the rights and dignity of disabled individuals. The collective voice of those affected resonates, challenging a narrative they argue is steeped in systemic disregard and demanding urgent reform.

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Source: Noah Wire Services