The government has scrapped its dedicated minister for disabled people – after the previous holder of the office was moved to be legal migration minister.
Mims Davies will now take on the brief, though it will sit alongside her existing role as a junior minister responsible for social mobility and youth.
The decision has attracted criticism from all sides of the House.
Vicky Foxcroft, Labour’s shadow disabilities minister, said the move was “shocking”.
“After 13 years of Tory austerity, pandemic and cost of living crisis, disabled people feel their voices aren’t being heard and represented in government. This confirms it,” she said.
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And the chair of the women and equalities committee, Caroline Nokes, said it sent “entirely the wrong message” to disabled people.
“This move will do nothing to stop disabled people feeling further disempowered and I would urge the PM to re-think,” added the Tory MP.
But Downing Street defended its decision, insisting it was not “downgrading” the disability role in favour of immigration.
Tom Pursglove held the role of Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work until last week, when he was moved to the Home Office following Robert Jenrick’s resignation over the Safety of Rwanda Bill.
After Mr Jenrick’s departure, his immigration minister brief was split between Mr Pursglove – taking on legal migration – and Michael Tomlinson – the newly-minted minister for illegal migration.
“We will have a minister for disabled people who will lead on that important work,” the prime minister’s official spokesman said.
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Pressed on the lack of a minister focusing solely on people with disabilities, he said: “What you will continue to see is a government showing strong support for disabled people and for disabled issues.”
Earlier on Thursday, Conservative leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt was asked about the matter.
Labour’s shadow leader in the House of Commons, Lucy Powell, said: “The prime minister’s emergency reshuffle has left us with no disabilities minister.
“Given the women and equalities select committee’s damning report on the government’s disability strategy just last week, can the leader confirm that this position will be appointed before Christmas?”
Ms Mordaunt said: “She is right that the minister for disability is a very important point, and I’m sure that reshuffle announcement will be made imminently, but I would also just remind the House every government department has a disability lead in place.”
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A minister or parliamentary under-secretary has held the role almost consistently since 1997.
Notable holders of the post in the past include Margaret Hodge, Maria Eagle, Esther McVey, Mark Harper, Penny Mordaunt, Chloe Smith, and Claire Coutinho.
Ms Davies said she was “honoured” to take on the role, promising she would “work as hard as I can to ensure disabled people’s voices are heard loud and clear”.
But Tim Nicholls of the National Autistic Society said: “This is a kick in the teeth for autistic people and disabled people, who are being sent a clear message that they are not prioritised by the government. We know how upsetting and frustrating this news will be for autistic people, disabled people and their families across the country.
“How can a government say it really cares about improving the lives of disabled people and the importance of that work, without a full-time minister?
“Scrapping the role of disability minister follows countless broken promises to ‘fix’ the social care system and reform mental health law. After decades of underfunding for vital support and services for disabled people, this role is needed now more than ever.”
A government spokesperson said: “Minister Davies will build upon this government’s track record of supporting disabled people, having delivered millions of cost of living payments and helping over one million more disabled people into work five years earlier than planned.
“The minister will help ensure there is always a strong safety net for the most vulnerable in our society, while tearing down barriers so that every disabled person can realise their potential and thrive.”
