On Thursday 24 November, there was a Backbench Business debate on the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Stephen spoke about the need for the Department for Work and Pensions to work more closely with disabled people.
The UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities takes place annually on 3 December. Marsha de Cordova MP led a debate in Parliament on the importance of this day. Stephen spoke in the debate about a number of ways in which the DWP could improve the experience of disabled people in seeking support from the Government.
Stephen explained how the DWP commissioned an external report to investigate this very issue, in which it spoke to a large number of disabled people about their experience of the benefits system. Ministers decided, however, not to publish the findings of the study, which is a breach of the cross-Government protocol on social research. Instead, the Work and Pensions Select Committee - which Stephen chairs - used their powers to obtain a copy of the report and published it themselves.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Stephen said “it is true, of course, that being open about criticisms and difficulties exposes Ministers to awkward questions, but refusing open discussion and trying to keep things secret or keep a lid on them does far more damage than letting such debates take place in the open.”
You can watch Stephen’s full speech below.