Statement issued 15th December

BASE and its members are dismayed by the Prime Minister’s decision to downgrade the role of Minister for Disabled People to a junior position within his cabinet.

Whilst we welcome Mim Davies commitment to “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.” It’s hard to envisage how this can be achieved as part of a larger portfolio. 

BASE is concerned that it will be harder to persuade employers of the huge benefits of becoming disability confident if this isn’t championed from the top. There is already a disconnect between those employers signed up to the disability confident scheme and those who actually employ disabled people. 

With the launch of Universal Support, a dedicated Minister for Disabled People is more important than ever, to enable the National Disability Strategy to evolve from vision to reality.

Job of minister for disabled people downgraded - BBC News Coverage