Torsten Bell, Labour MP for Swansea West, has ‘politely declined’ to meet with the disability groups Swansea Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) and Swansea University Against Disability Cuts (UADC) over proposed cuts to disability benefits.
Bell refused despite calls for a debate made in an open letter signed by over 200 people and organisations, including a national Labour-affiliated trade union. Each signatory instructed Labour MPs to meet with Disabled People Against Cuts and its allies.
Not up for discussion
The group is calling for a “right of reply” and a fair and respectful debate. This follows Bell’s use of language that has upset to many disabled people, particularly within his constituency. Specifically, on 10 April this year, having met earlier with carers as part of the Carers Wales Roadshow, Bell posted to social media and talked about the burden of informal care work:
“There are about 10,000 people doing informal care work for loved ones in Swansea West. It’s demanding and emotional work, often requiring huge sacrifices from carers for the vital and life-enhancing support they provide. We can’t fix everything over night [sic], but the extra £600m Labour has invested in the Welsh NHS is a vital part of what we’re doing to help ease that burden.”
The word burden is one that disabled people find particularly offensive, which is why the United Nations disability inclusion strategy makes it clear that this word should never be used in the context of disability, or caring for people with disabilities. The Labour Party’s own code of conduct on disablism states that the party should adhere to the social model of disability, not the charity model. The post was subsequently edited to remove the final three words, and then later deleted.
That same day, 100 disabled people held a protest in Swansea in response to the Spring Statement and the cuts to disabilities. That evening, the Swansea West Labour Party posted on Facebook saying: “Facts matter – a lot more than the memes of the keyboard warriors.” This was met with considerable upset, as evidenced by the comments in response to the post.
Undignified refusal
A spokesperson for DPAC said that Bell:
“Declined on the basis that there are consultation events taking place. The consultation is one of the very issues we are most concerned about. How can this be a fair consultation when half of the proposals, the most important ones, are not up for discussion?
“There is one, and only one, public consultation event for the whole of Wales, with limited tickets. The organisers have failed to reply to disabled people asking about venue access requirements.”
The spokesperson went on: “Given the insulting language and dodgy talking points being used by Labour MPs, it’s obvious they don’t understand disability, and are avoiding proper scrutiny. Torsten Bell MP could never defend his policies in a fair discussion with disabled people, and that’s why he is doing everything he can to avoid it. Tonia Antioniazzi MP has respectfully agreed to meet us. Torsten Bell, a Swansea MP and a DWP minister, must do the same.
“Swansea DPAC had to hear about Bell’s refusal secondhand. He has ignored us completely from day one, and didn’t even allow us the dignity of telling us ‘no’ himself. A so-called Labour MP acting this way must start an urgent debate about political representation for disabled and non-disabled workers, and disabled people in general.”
Vital support
The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA), a national Labour-affiliated trade union for workers in travel and transport, has supported Swansea DPAC’s demand for a fair debate with MPs.
Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of the TSSA, said that it “strongly opposes the government’s proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which will negatively affect millions of people across the UK, including many of our own working members.”
“PIP isn’t an ‘out of work benefit’ and, frankly, that distinction shouldn’t matter. It’s a vital form of support that helps disabled people and those with long-term health conditions live with dignity and independence. Many of our members claim PIP while continuing to work in demanding roles across the transport industry, relying on this support to manage the additional costs that come with their conditions and to carry out their duties safely and effectively.”
“This government is deliberately misrepresenting PIP in an attempt to pit the public against disabled people and deflect from its own economic woes. Let’s be clear, ordinary people should not be made to pay for the failures and mismanagement of those in power.”
“TSSA stands firmly with all those affected by these proposals. We’ll continue to fight for a fair and compassionate welfare system that supports people, not punishes them.”
Response from Swansea West Labour Party
On 6 May, following reaction to this article online which some readers found to be misleading, Bylines Cymru approached Torsten Bell for comment and clarification. A spokesperson from his team said:
“It is simply untrue that Torsten has refused to meet with Swansea DPAC. Torsten has been meeting regularly with constituents about reforms to disability and incapacity benefit and will continue to do so – as individuals and as part of groups. Every constituent that has approached our office asking for a meeting has been offered one. This is the same approach as taken by neighbouring MPs.
“The proposed changes to disability and incapacity benefits need to be discussed in a manner reflecting the complexity and sensitivity of the issue. Torsten will continue to do that with constituents and always encourages people to get in touch.”
Amendment 6 May 2025: The original title of this article stated “Swansea MP declines to meet with disability group”. This was misleading and for this reason we have since updated it to clarify that Bell has declined a public meeting. The article was further amended 9 May to include the context of the words Bell had used, and to include his response above.
