The Milburn report is set to recommend cutting incapacity and disability benefits for young people, alongside increased conditionality and sanctions – being forced into unsuitable work or training under the threat of absolute poverty.
The report was completely predetermined. Government ministers have been quite candid about wanting these cuts, even if the proposals were dishonestly hidden from public consultations.
At an official Timms Review workshop, attendees confronted the issue and unanimously voted to oppose youth disability cuts. In meetings with Mr. Timms, we also made it clear to his face: this is a red line. We won’t let the Government attack young disabled people to pay for war.
Across Europe, on November 20th, young people are walking out under the slogan “fight for our future, not their wars.”
In the UK, there will be more than 250 walkouts and 50 rallies (find your nearest here).
It is being supported by several education and teaching unions including the National Union of Students.
Disabled people should take part where we are able. We can appeal for support to fight the continuing cuts and demonisation of young disabled people. We can also bring a message of hope: last year, disabled people fought the Government and won, and we intend to do it again.
Young people are demanding:
1. An end to militarisation, rearmament, and austerity imposed in the name of war. Investments in welfare, public education, healthcare, and youth instead of weapons and militaries.
2. The abolition of all forms of conscription. Schools and universities must be spaces of critical thinking and liberation, not instruments of military recruitment or the war industry.
3. Freedom, justice, and solidarity for all oppressed peoples. An end to imperialism, colonialism, occupation, apartheid, and genocide, as well as to our governments’ complicity in them, starting with the cut of all ties with genocidal states (such as Israel).
4. Climate and social justice for all. End fossil capitalism, extractivism, climate and environmental destruction.
5. Radical system change against authoritarianism and repression, and in defense of our democratic rights. For the end of racism and patriarchy, and for the defeat of the far right in all countries.
