This page is no longer routinely monitored. If you need support, please visit our website. We’re Scope, creating equal futures with disabled people. Join us.
UK
- Tweets 47,467
- Following 6,693
- Followers 104,677
- Likes 33,560
Let's talk about duty.
Disabled people do not have a duty to work unsuitable jobs. Let's get that clear.
The government *does* have a duty to not dehumanise the million disabled people who want to work but are denied the chance.
It’s a duty the government is failing on 🧵 1/7
ALT Headline from the Guardian: Disabled people must work from home to do 'their duty', says UK minister. People with mobility and mental health problems should work from home or lose benefits under new policy.
277
2,926
8,295
940,240
Ableist assumptions can become reality by creating barriers for disabled people.
It's time to change perspective 👓
📹 "Assume I can. So maybe I will."
Anna Landre ♿️
45
2,312
5,950
1,754,418
The government has announced the most devastating cuts to disability benefits on record.
These plans should shame the government to its core.
Here's our initial response to the new Welfare Green Paper 🧵👇
133
1,983
5,159
648,877
Hi @Telegraph,
Why are you so against disabled children being able to see themselves reflected in their toys? Don't they deserve the right to play?
Weaponising disabled representation like this is hugely damaging.
Please change this headline.
telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/02…
46
325
3,823
822,056
"These people are, frankly, parasites."
Isabel Oakeshott's views on people who claim benefits belong in the past.
This kind of sentiment is disgraceful. And fuels a dangerous narrative towards disabled people that we must stand against.
175
889
3,150
156,795
Today was always going to be a difficult one. But #BleakFriday just got bleaker.
❌ Government have announced they will cut support through the Warm Home Discount from almost 300,000 disabled people.
This is an insult. 🧵 1/7
120
1,650
2,556
We’ve turned replies off on this thread, something that we’ve never done before ❌
But we don’t feel we have a choice.
Earlier this week we posted about ableist slurs in Ricky Gervais’ new show.
As a result, our replies have been full of abuse towards disabled people 🤬 1/7
1
486
2,230
366,564
We're pleased to see that the headline has now been changed. But it should never have been published in the first place.
Thank you @LEGO_Group for helping make sure that disabled children to are represented during play.
9
54
2,128
48,513
When someone says “You don’t look disabled”🚩
Notice anything different about our red flag meme? (1/3)
12
438
2,008
We're still without a Minister for Disabled People...
This is the longest gap without a minister in post in the last 30 years.
What kind of message does the government thinks this sends to the country's 16 million disabled people?
55
692
1,703
111,943
We wish we were surprised by reports that @RickyGervais has used ableist slurs in his new @Netflix special 📺
Language like this has consequences.
And we’re just not accepting the explanation that Gervais uses to try and justify this language 🧵 1/4
360
313
1,547
725,271
Today's news feels like an assault on disabled people.
We are in a cost-of-living crisis. Government looking to slash disabled people’s income by hitting personal independence payment (PIP) is a horrific proposal.
It's dangerous and risks leaving disabled people destitute.
theguardian.com/politics/202…
35
574
1,494
72,254
✍️ Disability benefits are a lifeline. They help to counteract the massive extra costs that disabled people face.
They aren't "perverse incentives that drive people into welfare dependency" ❌
ALT A cartoon of Bart Simpson writing repeated lines on a chalkboard. The repeated line is, "Disability benefits are a vital lifeline".
24
616
1,587
34,523
Laura Trott’s comments today are absurd.
It’s completely irresponsible to suggest that people who are unwell have a duty to work through it.
Comments like this fuel a dangerous narrative. One that demonises disabled people, and paints them as burdens on the taxpayer.
15
245
1,293
38,132
Today, we handed in over 100,000 petition signatures to 10 Downing Street 📋
It’s a clear message to the government: the cost of cuts is catastrophic ✂️
ALT 6 people in front of 10 Downing Street. 3 are wearing Scope t-shirts. The other 3 are in front. 2 of them, one a wheelchair user, are holding a purple box that reads, '101,025 say the cost of cuts is catastrophic' with the Scope logo on the lid.
36
598
1,553
25,351
Enough is enough. Disabled people are not the problem.
Last week the Prime Minister made a speech about so-called 'sicknote culture'. He also proposed major changes to disability benefits.
Today we're launching a petition in response to this full-on assault of disabled people.
ALT The Houses of Parliament set against a purple background, with bold white text that reads: Stop demonising us.
28
693
1,265
106,346
When you sit down after delivering an hour-long budget, and didn’t mention disabled people once.
ALT Jeremy Hunt and Rishi Sunak grinning awkwardly at each other in parliament, just after the budget had been delivered.
41
404
1,193
69,261
BENEFITS NEWS:
Plans to replace PIP payments with a voucher scheme have been scrapped.
The DWP has confirmed it won't go ahead with the proposals introduced by the last government.
56
313
1,226
100,520
Last night’s @C4Dispatches programme was bitterly disappointing 📺
This was a chance to challenge the negative rhetoric on disability benefits. But instead, it felt like another hit job on ill and disabled people 🧵
41
389
1,278
37,771
The suggestion that disabled people can simply work from home is totally impractical too.
You only need to take a look at the @DWPgovuk job site shows how few vacancies offer fully remote working as an option.
7
126
978
27,147
Disability benefits are a lifeline for disabled people who face extra costs.
Yet the government plans to slash them ✂️
As @Adam_Pearson said at the Scope Awards in May, they aren't a 'perk'. They're vital.
16
385
1,121
25,925
Threatening disabled people with more sanctions will not lead to more disabled people getting into and staying in work.
Forcing disabled people into unsuitable jobs and cutting financial support in a cost-of-living crisis will be disastrous.
3
158
960
24,350
These plans will be catastrophic for disabled people’s living standards.
Nearly half of families living in poverty already include someone who is disabled. Now the government is choosing to penalise some of the poorest people in our society.
4
245
1,055
40,529
The government is considering various options to cut the cost of disability benefits.
Media reports suggest that one option is the removal of the limited capability for work part of Universal Credit.
This would mean that some claimants would lose around £5,000 a year.
129
376
1,012
499,059
The last two days have been incredibly difficult.
The news has been relentless, and there’s lots of anxiety about what changes to the benefits system will mean for disabled people.
Some commentary has also been misleading, so we wanted to clarify some important points 🧵👇 1/9
27
333
906
90,686
Disability benefits are a lifeline.
And cutting them won't help disabled people into work, or with the extra costs they face.
It's nonsense.
This week, our Strategy Director, James, told the government's Work and Pensions Committee just that 💬
34
464
1,035
19,262
He argues that he wouldn’t use this language in ‘real-life’.
But his stand-up routine doesn’t exist in a parallel universe.
The stage is real. Netflix is real. The people this kind of language impacts are real.
14
57
861
72,629
Yesterday, the government announced billions of pounds worth of cuts to disability benefits.
We know that this is an extremely worrying time for disabled people.
Here’s what we know so far 🧵
33
351
1,008
51,366
The government should focus on upgrading its own back-to-work support, creating a system that works for disabled people not than against them.
It should focus too on improving employer attitudes, and ensuring disabled people have the opportunities and support to work flexibly.
7
123
855
28,110
These comments come on the eve of the #AutumnStatement, where the Chancellor is expected to announce a ‘benefits crackdown’.
But we’ve had decades of tightening sanctions, and it has never worked.
The government’s own research shows that sanctions are counterproductive.
6
112
842
24,180
The rhetoric around disability benefits is getting nastier and nastier.
Almost half of people in poverty are disabled. Meanwhile daytime TV paints disabled people as a drain on taxpayers, and questions their right to support.
❌ We can’t let this narrative go unchallenged.
51
378
836
73,075
The government has today confirmed, after a week of uncertainty, that they are scrapping the dedicated role of Minister for Disabled People.
This announcement sends an appalling message to the 16 million disabled people in the UK.
🔗 inews.co.uk/news/politics/an…
ALT Headline: Anger as Sunak scraps dedicated minister for disabled people.
49
446
851
91,579
🚨 The goverment wants to scrap the Work Capability Assessment (WCA).
But doing this could put the health element of Universal Credit (UC) at risk for disabled people that don’t claim PIP.
That's 600,000 people that could lose roughly £2,400 a year.
It's unacceptable.
51
425
959
20,220
Ahead of tomorrow’s #AutumnStatement, we call on the government to provide flexible, tailored employment support for disabled people.
And to avoid rushing through changes that will make the benefits system even more hostile than is already the case.
10
121
804
23,224
Comedians using the r-slur emboldens others to use it.
We’ve seen this first hand this week, with disabled people being abused directly in the replies to our post.
This *is* real-life, whether or not Gervais would use the slur himself outside of his routine.
1
60
813
54,455
The benefits system is unfair. But it’s not for the reasons the Prime Minister suggests.
It’s unfair that disabled people have to fight for the right outcome.
It’s unfair that disabled people still face extra costs, even after receiving benefits.
ALT A BBC News headline: Starmer says benefit system unfair and indefensible
58
339
935
18,632
We aren’t here to dictate what anyone should or should not find funny.
But we can’t pretend that this comedy exists in a vacuum. This week has proven that.
38
813
27,577
Countless disabled people, charities, MPs, and experts are urging the government to think again. And we’re not backing down.
The consultation is likely to receive an overwhelming response. We urge the government to listen to disabled people and think again.
4
179
943
24,486
📣 This harmful narrative about disabled people must end.
It’s time to ditch the 'burden' rhetoric for good.
Coverage like this is irresponsible. It has a direct impact on how disabled people see themselves and how others see them.
🔴 Millions are claiming benefits without ever having to look for work, helping to push the tax burden to hit its highest point since the Second World War.
Use our calculator to reveal how much of your salary bankrolls the welfare state ⬇️ telegraph.co.uk/tax/news/bri…
Community note
UK welfare spending will total around £300bn this year.
Of this, £124bn funds state pensions, with £87bn for Universal Credit which is usually either an in-work benefit or contains a commitment to seek full-time work.
£39.2bn is forecast to be spent on disability benefits.
obr.uk/forecasts-in-d
20
295
822
87,070
We showed Larry the Downing Street cat our petition yesterday 📦
He gave it a sniff, a stare, and (we think) his full support 🐱
101,025 people told the government the cost of cuts is catastrophic - no pun intended.
26
249
904
13,972
We wanted to keep our take on the ‘red flag’ meme a bit more accessible.
Repeated emojis aren’t fun when read out by a screen reader.
And did you know that the ‘red flag’ would actually be described as ‘triangular flag on post’. (2/3)
2
138
772
The government is continuing its reckless assault on disabled people.
This consultation is not about what's right or fair.
It's hard to believe that it's about anything other than cutting costs, no matter the impact.
Today I’m launching a new consultation to make our disability benefit system fit for the future.
I want to see how we can:
• Remove unnecessary benefit assessments wherever possible
• Provide extra support to those most in need
• Deliver better value for the taxpayer
🧵
22
289
790
32,704
🗣️ "I will keep on speaking up, in my wonderful voice, for what I believe in." @JosieRones
Well said, Rosie. We thought you were brilliant. 💜
standard.co.uk/news/uk/rosie…
59
107
772
We are seeing yet more divisive media reports about disabled people and the welfare system.
Promoting the idea that life on disability benefits is a choice - lucrative even – is dangerous. It fuels distrust and negative attitudes towards disabled people.
23
305
761
37,017
We aren’t trying to 'police' comedy, or speak on behalf of all disabled people.
But it’s important to talk about the real-life consequences of language like this.
1
32
739
30,836
It’s frustrating that we are once again having to call out a public figure for using this kind of harmful language.
But we need to be absolutely clear that this kind of language isn’t acceptable ❌
26
31
721
69,338
Disabled people already face negative attitudes, and the media has an enormous role to play in improving understanding.
‘Joking’ about this kind of language trivialises it. It risks normalising the abuse that many disabled people face on a day-to-day basis.
13
49
720
73,188
🧮 Mentions of disabled people in the Chancellor's spending review: 0
That's despite the government's plans to rip billions from the welfare budget. Which will have catastrophic effects.
We can't be clearer. There is no 'renewing Britain' without including disabled people.
24
389
826
21,563
You may have seen it.
Another media report painting disabled people as ‘shirkers', choosing a life on benefits.
We’re not sharing the video. We don’t want to give it any oxygen.
But this language is dangerous, and it has to stop.
🧵
23
300
699
43,584
Although they can look cute or contribute to a great meme, overusing emojis can be inaccessible for screen readers, and generally make things harder to read.
More on that and keeping your twitter feed accessible in this article from @ScopeBigHack!👇 (3/3)
bighack.org/8-ways-you-can-m…
5
207
667
✂ The Universal Credit (UC) and PIP Bill no longer includes PIP.
And it's thanks to all who united against cuts to disability benefits.
But it's not over yet. Cuts to UC will still plunge disabled people into poverty.
We can't accept that. We won't. And neither should you ❌
ALT A print out of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill on a desk. 'and Personal Independence Payment Bill' has been crossed out with a red pen. An arrow points to it with red handwriting that says 'people power!'. 'Universal Credit' has a box drawn around it in red pen, with an arrow pointing to it. Red handwriting reads, 'This will still plunge disabled people into poverty'.
20
359
796
30,551
Here’s what the government should do if they’re serious about getting disabled people into work:
❌ Stop attacking benefit claimants with cheap soundbites.
✅ Address the real barriers that people face getting into work.
standard.co.uk/news/politics…
41
274
713
21,657
Today’s #AutumnStatement won’t help disabled people with the cost-of-living crisis. Instead, it painted disabled people as scroungers.
We won’t stand for it.
Join our call for an equal future 👉 brnw.ch/21wEGhp
ALT Text: The government is failing disabled people this winter.
23
322
681
32,818
We welcome the investment in tailored, non-compulsory employment support.
But ripping £5 billion out of the benefits system by 2030 will completely undermine this positive step.
4
126
793
25,931
Disability finally got some airtime in yesterday’s election debate.
But not in the way we wanted.
It felt like a race to the bottom on welfare, with talk of stricter eligibility criteria and reducing the number of claims 📉
Instead of reassuring disabled people, it worried us.
22
235
696
24,047
🚨 BIG NEWS
The high court has ruled that last year’s Work Capability Assessment (WCA) consultation was unlawful.
The judge said DWP hadn't been clear about the main reason for the proposals – saving money.
And disabled people weren't told how the changes could affect them.
8
296
761
18,325
"The country does have problems, but punishing disabled people isn’t going to solve them."
@JamesTaylor2 for @DailyMirror ✍️
mirror.co.uk/news/politics/s…
29
252
751
10,698
An article in today’s @Telegraph associates disability benefits with rioting on Britain’s streets.
We shouldn’t need to say this, but…
📢 People being too unwell to work is not to blame for recent violence.
29
262
650
30,558
💬 "This is a significant moment in the history of the British deaf community, as it is a powerful step to equality".
We couldn't agree more! Well done to everyone that has helped make this happen 👏💜
🔗bbc.co.uk/news/disability-67…
ALT BBC News headline that reads: "British Sign Language to be introduced as GCSE in England." The accompanying photo shows a young black boy and black woman in a classroom signing to each other.
11
152
639
21,026
The past week has seen numerous incendiary headlines, debates and articles about disabled people and the welfare system.
✍️ Today we're publishing an open letter to media outlets challenging this tired, lazy and damaging narrative around disability benefits.
16
295
634
76,279
Over the coming days, we’ll analyse all the details in the government’s plans.
We’ll then share more information about what these changes mean and who could be affected as soon as we can.
We’ll also share ways you can have your say in the consultation.
4
115
737
23,360
Today’s #AutumnStatement doubled down on plans to ramp up benefits sanctions, at a time when many disabled people are struggling to make ends meet.
It was a missed opportunity to set out how disabled people can thrive. Instead, many will be thinking about how to survive 🧵1/5
23
244
655
33,417
This government promised to put disabled people at the heart of its work.
But instead, it has committed to billions of pounds worth of welfare cuts.
Our response to today’s Budget 🧵 1/6
24
242
661
28,220
This is an especially worrying time for many disabled people.
If you’re concerned about these changes, you can contact our helpline for advice and support. Call us free on 0808 800 3333, or visit our website for more ways to get in touch: ➡️ scope.org.uk/helpline
If you need to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, day or night, Samaritans are here to help. Call 116 123 for free, or visit their website ➡️ samaritans.org/
13
255
722
24,174
Online abuse, bullying and trolling is a common experience for disabled people. More than half of us have witnessed negative comments about disabled people online.
1
29
600
29,830
Did you know that nearly 3 in 4 PIP decisions taken to tribunal are found to be unjust?
Does this sound like a system that’s working? 🤔
We're calling on the next government to create a benefits system that truly supports disabled people.
21
234
634
15,772
🚨 Yesterday, the government pushed through the Universal Credit (UC) Bill.
And disabled people will pay the price.
Here's what you need to know 🧵
16
306
694
35,140
Disabled households now need an extra £1,010 each month to have the same standard of living as non-disabled households.
These unaffordable costs mean disabled people are routinely going without heating and medical treatment.
inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/…
20
351
619
33,834
As part of the biggest ever survey of disabled people’s experiences online, we found:
· 53% have seen negative comments about disabled people online.
· 34% have received negative comments personally.
· 23% have received targeted online bullying because of their condition.
1
52
581
27,532
😠 Disabled people are being given another thing to worry about, as the government threatens a ‘clamp down’ on benefits.
But is this really about about improving employment outcomes for disabled people? Or just reducing benefit spend? 🧵 1/4
36
241
583
40,812
The government has announced it will make disability pay gap reporting mandatory.
This is something we’ve been campaigning on for years.
It’s a huge step towards making workplaces fairer for disabled people.
#KingsSpeech 🧵 1/2
13
121
570
20,864
Hey @Jeremy_Hunt 👋
Just another reminder that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is not an ‘out of work’ benefit.
If you’re still confused about disability benefits, check out our website. We've got lots of information that could help 🔗 scope.org.uk/advice-and-supp…
16
272
597
20,779
📢 Calling all Labour MPs.
Check your emails. We've sent briefings to all MPs on why benefits cuts would be catastrophic. And why it needs to be opposed.
When you meet with the policy unit, you must keep disabled people front of mind.
news.sky.com/story/all-404-l…
32
250
646
16,913
🚨 SPRING STATEMENT NEWS 🚨
The Chancellor has confirmed devastating plans to further cut disability benefits.
As a result, lowering the living standards of disabled people and pushing more into poverty 🧵
20
256
642
23,417
We're pleased that @BootsUK have listened and agreed to change these signs. But how did it happen in the first place? Remember:
❌ Disabled isn't a dirty word.
🤔 Ambiguous language creates confusion.
Let's make sure these mistakes aren't repeated.
ALT A parking sign with the Boots logo, wheelchair symbol, and text that reads: Less Abled Parking.
24
128
550
87,226
Our research shows how common these experiences are, and how easy it is for people to post horrific comments, ableist abuse and hurtful remarks.
The consequences can be devastating. Making the places where we want to feel safe the complete opposite.
1
20
538
28,056
We warned of the consequences of this last month.
And @MartinSLewis challenged the Government about this on just Wednesday.
But these warnings have been ignored.
mirror.co.uk/money/more-2000…
11
211
502
Yes, it's a TV show. But there are deaf and disabled children at home watching @bbcstrictly tonight saying to themselves "I can do it". And that's magical.
Congratulations from all of us at Scope, @RoseAylingEllis. You have done yourself proud 💜
1
97
551
Britain’s human rights watchdog is investigating the Department for Work and Pensions.
Our degrading benefits system has failed disabled people for decades.
This inquiry is long overdue.
14
211
535
14,366
We don't think one disability emoji ♿ is enough. So we've created our own! bit.ly/29RQoCF #WorldEmojiDay
15
356
558
🗨️"I can't be incentivised out of having the conditions that I suffer from."
📢Reminder! PIP is a benefit that helps people like Dayna with the extra costs of being disabled.
It isn't an unemployment benefit ❌
metro.co.uk/2025/03/28/pip-c…
252
597
9,445
Disabled people deserve equality.
But the reality is:
Life costs more if you’re disabled 💰
Negative attitudes make life harder 🤬
Too many of us are denied the chance to work ❌
The next government must commit to changing this.
17
175
519
14,507
Cuts to disability benefits will push 250,000 people into poverty, including 50,000 children. Let that sink in.
Disabled people already experience higher levels of poverty compared to non-disabled people. Cuts to benefits will make this worse ✂️
It’s entirely unacceptable.
ALT Silhouettes of people depicting the number of people that will be pushed into poverty by benefits cuts. Text says: Cuts to disability benefits will push 250,000 people into poverty. 50,000 of them are children.
22
344
588
19,797
Reports of @NoelGallagher's behaviour at Glastonbury were upsetting enough.
But to hear him boast about his actions, and openly mock disabled people in the process, is beyond insulting. 1/5 🧵
dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/ar…
72
168
488
📈 During the worst cost of living crisis in decades, it’s almost unimaginable that Government would cut support from those most at risk.
Yet here we are.
6
100
467
🚨 Over 100 MPs have backed an amendment to the Universal Credit and PIP Bill.
It focuses on the lack of information available to MPs before they vote. And the lack of consultation with disabled people.
It calls for the second reading to be declined.
news.sky.com/story/labour-mp…
15
183
588
13,303
Cutting disability benefits will increase levels of poverty amongst disabled households. That's a fact.
With the Disability Charities Consortium, we’ve written to Liz Kendall and Rachel Reeves.
We're urging the government to reconsider ⬇️
scope.org.uk/news-and-storie…
21
300
583
9,899
"The UK's benefits system... where even lifelong, visible disabilities are subject to bureaucratic hoops."
It's already difficult to claim benefits like PIP. The government is now choosing to penalise disabled people by making this process even harder.
metro.co.uk/2025/04/27/made-…
21
284
549
12,937
If you think I’m too young, stay in your lane 🙅
Many younger Blue Badge holders have been told that they’re surely too young to need one. Sometimes even being confronted by strangers in car parks.
📢Anyone can be disabled at any age, and it will look different for everyone.
ALT A small sign outdoors that has two blue symbols on it, indicating Blue Badge parking. One of the symbols is a P for Parking, and the other a wheelchair. Text on the sign says: “Aren’t you too young to park here?”
26
184
481
18,011
💰 Government have yet again showed a complete disregard for the fact that life costs more if you’re disabled.
Even before this crisis, disabled people already faced extra costs of £583 per month.
2
112
430
One of these men could be the next Prime Minister.
But neither of them mentioned disability once in the election debate.
So this is our message to all parties:
📢 Disabled people must not be ignored in this election.
20
198
483
16,649
The new government has the chance to fix the benefits system. And it must involve and listen to disabled people in the process.
We now need reassurance that the new government won't push ahead with changes to PIP proposed by the previous government.
inews.co.uk/news/labour-drop…
16
195
457
15,057
❌ Disabled people risk being pushed into poverty by changes to the benefits system designed to support them.
✂ Cuts to disability benefits won’t just reduce income. They’ll take away independence, stability, and dignity.
Rose is right. We need a system that lifts people up.
ALT A photo of Rose Ayling-Ellis with a quote from her interview with Big Issue. It reads, “Rather than making cuts, they need to support disabled people better.”
8
295
516
9,402
The Labour Party has announced the first policies it would introduce if it wins the next election.
But disabled people were barely mentioned.
Is it any wonder that 6 in 10 disabled people think politicians don't care about their lives?
29
145
449
39,163
Disability Pride Month may be just July. But Disability Pride is a vibe for the whole year.
It matters, for everyone. So we’ll keep fighting for it 💜
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, @Adam_Pearson ✨
5
85
510
14,781
After months of speculation, the government has confirmed planned changes to the Work Capability Assessment. The changes will only apply to new claims and won’t be implemented until 2025.
Here’s what those changes mean 👇
26
269
432
48,967
DWP says that the goal is to get more people into employment.
But we know that sanctions and conditions only push disabled people deeper into poverty. Not into jobs.
7
85
491
16,797
🗓️ This week, the government is expected to reveal details about proposed cuts to disability benefits.
But your voices are helping. And we need to keep the pressure on.
14
235
496
13,416
The consultation into a major overhaul of disability benefits closes tonight.
We want to see the new government halt these proposals. And redesign the benefits system alongside disabled people.
Here’s what we think to the consultation 🧵👇
ALT BBC headline: Halt 'dangerous' disability benefit changes, charities say.
9
243
434
16,189